🔗 Share this article

MTG enthusiasts often adopt tribal strategies — who has not built an elf strategy before? — and this forthcoming ATLA crossover release revives 2 popular mechanics that match seamlessly to the setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial mechanic, called "Ally," first introduced in the Zendikar which grants buffs each time additional permanents bearing this type enter the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based type which first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, Shrines likewise become strength when you controls more Shrines in play.

A Return of the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have been shown up sporadically in newer releases, Allies subtype was much rarer — but this ends with ATLA, where this mechanic is central.

Aang must gather many companions during the quest to restore peace across the world, and it's no more fitting way to represent this through a Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

After its initial set announcement, here are a look at one Ally plus one Shrines card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

Teo stands as one beloved supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe that lived in the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined in a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's prowess with engineering, he can fly through the skies with his glider, even dares the Avatar to an aerial contest.

The card Teo represents his fondness of flying and his tribe's reliance of flying machines through letting the player loot each time you attack using an airborne creature, and additionally pumping your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his home, this appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total upon entering play, depending on how many of Shrines you control.

The card also removes one more life whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It looks like a strong addition, considering the card's low mana cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

A major weakness for Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH are the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, but this card is effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently when crossover products are garnering significant hate by fans, a beloved series like Avatar can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, with the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.