🔗 Share this article

MTG players consistently embrace tribe-based tactics — who hasn't constructed a zombie deck at some point? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release revives 2 popular mechanics that align seamlessly with the theme.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

The first mechanic, known as "Allies," first debuted with the Zendikar which grants boosts each time additional permanents with the Ally subtype enter the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is another enchantment subtype that first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines also become strength when you has more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return of Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have appeared sporadically in recent sets, Allies subtype was far less common — but that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature is prominently used.

Aang must recruit numerous friends during his journey to bring back peace to the four nations, and there's no better method to show that through an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After the first set reveal, here are a look of an Allies plus a Shrine card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

Teo is one beloved supporting figure in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe who resided at the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's skill in mechanics, he is able to glide in the air with a flying device, and challenges the Avatar to a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's passion for the skies along with his tribe's reliance of flying machines through letting the player loot each time a player attacks with an airborne unit, and also pumping your creatures with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of his home, this appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total upon entering play, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore drains an additional point whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like a powerful card, given the card's cheap mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

One major drawback of Shrine strategies outside of EDH is the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently while crossover products are receiving a lot of criticism by fans, an iconic series such as Avatar can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, and the full set set to be released on Nov. 21.