🔗 Share this article

MTG enthusiasts frequently enjoy tribal decks — what player hasn't assembled a goblin deck once or twice? — while this forthcoming ATLA crossover release brings back two beloved examples which match perfectly to the theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first mechanic, named "Allies," was debuted with the Zendikar set which grants bonuses whenever more permanents bearing the Ally subtype come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is an enchantment type which first appeared in Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines also become power when a player has additional Shrines in play.

The Return of Allies Ability

While Shrines have been appeared here and there in recent sets, the Ally mechanic was far less common — but that changes with ATLA, where the feature gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to gather numerous friends during the journey to restore peace across the world, and it's no better way to show that in an Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following its first card reveal, below is previews at an Ally and a Shrines cards from the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

This character is one cherished supporting figure in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe that resided at the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined by a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Because of his father's prowess in mechanics, Teo can soar through the skies using a flying device, even challenges Aang to a flying contest.

The card Teo reproduces Teo's fondness for the skies along with his tribe's use on flying machines by allowing you loot each time a player attacks using a flying creature, while also strengthening your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, it is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you control.

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

This appears to be a strong addition, given its cheap cost and valuable ETB ability.

One major weakness for Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH is the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

At a time while crossover products are receiving a lot of hate from the community, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what MTG needs.

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