Magic: The Gathering players frequently embrace tribal strategies — who has not built a goblin strategy at some point? — while the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release brings back two beloved mechanics that align seamlessly with its theme.
Reappearing Tribal Mechanics
The first ability, named "Allies," first introduced with a Zendikar and gives bonuses whenever more permanents bearing the Ally subtype enter the battlefield.
Meanwhile, "Shrine" is an enchantment type that first appeared with Kamigawa. While not a creature tribe, Shrines likewise become abilities when a player controls additional of them in play.
A Return of the Ally Ability
Although Shrine cards have been shown up occasionally in recent releases, Allies mechanic was far less common — but this changes with ATLA, in which the mechanic is heavily featured.
The protagonist Aang must gather a lot of companions on his journey to restore balance across the four nations, so it's no more fitting way to represent this through a Magic expansion.
Exclusive Cards Showcase
After the initial set reveal, below is a look at an Allies plus one Shrines cards in the new ATLA release.
Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure
This character is a beloved supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe who lived at an Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a disaster, which left him unable to walk.
Due to his father's expertise with mechanics, Teo is able to glide through the skies with a flying device, even dares the Avatar to a flying contest.
The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's passion of flying and the Earth Tribe's use on flying machines through allowing the player loot each time a player attacks with an airborne unit, and additionally pumping your team with counters at the same time.
Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment
Speaking of Teo's home, it is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life when entering play, based on how many Shrine cards you have.
The card furthermore drains an additional life whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.
It looks like a strong card, given its cheap cost plus valuable ETB ability.
One big drawback for Shrine decks outside of Commander is the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however this card can be effective when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.
A Timely Crossover
At a time when crossover sets have been receiving significant backlash from fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what MTG needs.
Spoiler season has begun, with all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.
