🔗 Share this article

Magic: The Gathering fans often embrace tribal tactics — what player hasn't built a zombie deck once or twice? — and the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set is reintroducing two beloved examples that match perfectly with its flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial ability, named "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar set and grants boosts each time additional permanents with this subtype come onto the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based type which originated with Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become power when you owns additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback of Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have shown up occasionally in newer releases, Allies subtype was much rarer — but this ends in ATLA, in which the feature is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must assemble numerous companions during the quest to bring back balance across the world, and it's no better way to show that in a Magic set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following the first card reveal, below are a look of one Allies plus a Shrine cards in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Character

Teo stands as one beloved minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe who resided in the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his father's prowess with engineering, Teo can glide through the skies with a flying device, even challenges the Avatar in a flying race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's passion for flying and his tribe's use of gliders by letting you draw and discard each time a player attacks using a flying creature, while additionally pumping your creatures with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, it appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you have.

It also removes an additional point anytime a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This looks like a strong addition, given its cheap mana cost plus valuable ETB ability.

One major weakness of Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH is the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond products have been garnering significant hate from fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period is already here, and all cards will be released November 21st.