🔗 Share this article

Magic: The Gathering fans often adopt tribe-based decks — who has not built a zombie strategy once or twice? — and this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release brings back 2 popular examples that match perfectly with the theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial mechanic, named "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar and gives buffs each time additional creatures bearing this type enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based subtype which originated in Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines also gain abilities when you has additional of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally in newer sets, Allies mechanic has been seldom seen — but that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature gets prominently used.

Aang must gather numerous companions during the quest to bring back balance to the four nations, so it's no better way to represent this through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

After the initial card announcement, below is a look of an Ally and a Shrines cards in the new ATLA set.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

Teo stands as a popular minor figure in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe that lived at an Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his father's skill with mechanics, Teo can soar through the skies with a flying device, even challenges Aang in an aerial race.

This card Teo reproduces his fondness of flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines through letting the player draw and discard whenever you attack using an airborne creature, while also pumping your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Speaking of his home, this is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you have.

The card also removes one more point anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

This appears to be a powerful addition, considering the card's cheap cost and good ETB effect.

One big drawback of Shrine decks outside of Commander is that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

At a time when crossover products are receiving significant backlash by fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, with all cards set to be launched November 21st.