🔗 Share this article

MTG fans consistently adopt tribe-based tactics — who hasn't assembled an elf strategy at some point? — and the forthcoming ATLA crossover set brings back 2 beloved mechanics that align perfectly with its setting.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

One initial mechanic, called "Allies," was introduced with a Zendikar set and grants bonuses each time more creatures with the Ally subtype enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is an enchantment type that first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments also gain abilities as a player has more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback of Allies Ability

Although Shrines have been appeared here and there in newer sets, the Ally subtype has been far less common — until this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must recruit a lot of allies on his quest to bring back peace across the world, and there's no better method to represent that in a Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After its first set announcement, below are a look of one Ally and one Shrines card in the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is one popular supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe who resided in the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a disaster, which left him paraplegic.

Because of his father's skill in engineering, Teo is able to soar through the skies with his glider, and dares the Avatar in an aerial contest.

This card Teo showcases Teo's passion of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through allowing you draw and discard whenever a player attacks with a flying creature, while also boosting your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, this is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore drains one more life whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This looks like a strong card, given the card's cheap cost plus valuable ETB effect.

One big weakness for Shrine-based strategies outside of Commander is that these cards are typically Legendary, however this card can be great when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently when crossover products are receiving a lot of criticism from fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar could be exactly just what MTG requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.