🔗 Share this article

MTG fans often enjoy tribal tactics — what player hasn't built a zombie deck once or twice? — while this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set revives two well-known examples that align seamlessly to its flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One first ability, named "Ally," was introduced with the Zendikar set and gives bonuses whenever additional permanents with this type come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based type that first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines likewise become power when a player controls additional of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback for the Ally Ability

While Shrines have been shown up sporadically in newer sets, the Ally subtype has been far less common — but this ends in ATLA, in which this feature gets central.

The protagonist Aang must recruit a lot of allies during his quest to bring back balance across the four nations, so there's no more fitting method to represent that through an Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

Following the first card reveal, here is a look at an Ally and one Shrine card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as a cherished supporting character in ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe who lived at an Air Temple following his village was ruined by a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's skill in engineering, he can soar in the air with his glider, even dares the Avatar in a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his passion for flying and the Earth Tribe's use of flying machines by letting the player loot whenever you attack using an airborne unit, while additionally strengthening your team via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, this appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life when coming into play, based on how many of Shrines you control.

The card furthermore removes one more life anytime a Shrine enters the field.

This looks like a strong card, given its low mana cost and valuable ETB ability.

One big weakness of Shrine decks outside of Commander is that these cards are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be great in combination alongside another Shrine, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently when crossover products have been receiving significant backlash by fans, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what MTG needs.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards will be released November 21st.