🔗 Share this article

MTG fans frequently adopt tribe-based strategies — what player hasn't built an elf strategy before? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release revives 2 well-known mechanics which match seamlessly to its setting.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The first mechanic, called "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar which provides bonuses each time more permanents bearing the Ally type enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is another enchantment type that first appeared with Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise become abilities when a player controls additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return for Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have shown up here and there across newer releases, the Ally subtype has been far less common — but this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic gets heavily featured.

Aang has to gather many allies on his quest to bring back peace across the world, and there's no more fitting way to reflect this in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following its initial card reveal, here is previews of one Ally plus a Shrines card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as one cherished minor figure from ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom that lived in an Air Temple after his home was ruined by a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his father's skill with mechanics, he can soar through the skies with his glider, even dares Aang in a flying race.

The card Teo showcases his passion of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders by allowing you loot whenever a player attacks with a flying unit, and additionally strengthening your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's home, this appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you control.

The card also removes an additional point anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be a strong card, given the card's low cost and good ETB effect.

One big weakness of Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH are that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is great when paired with another Shrine, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Crossover

At a time when crossover products have been garnering a lot of backlash by fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what MTG requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards will be released November 21st.