🔗 Share this article

Magic: The Gathering fans frequently enjoy tribal decks — what player has not built a goblin strategy once or twice? — and this upcoming ATLA crossover release revives 2 popular examples that fit seamlessly with the theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The first ability, named "Allies," first debuted with the Zendikar which gives bonuses each time more creatures bearing the Ally type enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents another enchantment type which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, Shrines also gain strength as you owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback for the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have been shown up here and there across recent releases, the Ally mechanic has been much rarer — but this ends with ATLA, where this feature is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to gather a lot of companions on his journey to restore balance to the world, so it's no more fitting way to reflect that in an Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

After its initial card announcement, below is a look of one Ally plus a Shrine card from the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

This character stands as a popular supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom who lived at an Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's skill in mechanics, Teo is able to soar through the skies with his glider, and dares Aang to an aerial contest.

This card Teo represents Teo's passion for the skies and his tribe's use of flying machines by allowing you draw and discard whenever a player attacks using a flying unit, and also strengthening your creatures with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, this appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

It also removes one more life anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like a powerful addition, given the card's low mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One major weakness of Shrine-based decks outside of EDH is that Shrines are always Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be effective in combination alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently when crossover sets are garnering a lot of hate from the community, an iconic series like Avatar can be exactly what MTG requires.

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