🔗 Share this article

Magic: The Gathering fans often adopt tribe-based decks — who hasn't assembled a goblin deck at some point? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release brings back 2 well-known examples that match seamlessly with its flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial ability, known as "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar set and gives boosts whenever more permanents bearing this type come onto play.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based type that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also become strength when you owns more of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have shown up occasionally in newer releases, the Ally mechanic was far less common — but this changes in ATLA, where the feature is prominently used.

Aang must gather numerous companions during the journey to restore balance across the world, so it's no more fitting way to reflect that through a Magic expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After the first card reveal, below are previews of one Ally plus one Shrines cards from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is a popular supporting figure in ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe who lived at an Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a disaster, which left him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's prowess with engineering, he is able to soar through the skies with his glider, and challenges the Avatar to an aerial race.

This card Teo reproduces Teo's passion of the skies and the Earth Tribe's use of gliders by allowing the player loot each time a player attacks using an airborne creature, and also pumping your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, this appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card also removes one more point whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be an impactful addition, given the card's cheap cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

One major drawback for Shrine decks outside of EDH are the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, but this card can be great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

At a time while crossover products are receiving significant criticism from the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season is already here, and the full set will be launched November 21st.