🔗 Share this article

Magic: The Gathering fans often adopt tribal tactics — who hasn't built an elf strategy at some point? — while the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release brings back two popular mechanics that match seamlessly with the flavor.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One first ability, named "Ally," first introduced with a Zendikar and grants bonuses whenever additional creatures bearing this subtype come onto the field.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents an enchantment type that originated with Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, Shrines also gain strength when you controls more Shrines in play.

A Comeback for Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have shown up sporadically across recent releases, the Ally mechanic has been much rarer — until that changes with ATLA, in which the mechanic is heavily featured.

Aang has to assemble a lot of friends during his quest to restore peace to the world, and there's no more fitting way to represent this in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following the initial card reveal, below is previews of one Allies plus one Shrines card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character is one beloved supporting character from ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe who resided at an Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his father's skill in engineering, he can glide in the air using his glider, and challenges Aang in an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's fondness for the skies and the Earth Tribe's use on flying machines by letting the player draw and discard whenever a player attacks with an airborne unit, and additionally strengthening your team via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, this appears as the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total upon coming into play, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore removes an additional life anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

It appears to be an impactful addition, given the card's low cost plus valuable ETB ability.

A major weakness of Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH is that these cards are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond products have been receiving a lot of hate from the community, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what MTG requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards set to be launched November 21st.