🔗 Share this article

MTG fans frequently enjoy tribal strategies — who hasn't assembled an elf deck once or twice? — while this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release is reintroducing two popular mechanics which align perfectly to the theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first ability, called "Allies," was introduced in a Zendikar set and gives boosts whenever additional permanents bearing the Ally subtype enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based type that originated in Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain strength as you has more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback for Allies Ability

While Shrines have shown up sporadically across newer sets, the Ally mechanic was seldom seen — but this changes in ATLA, where the mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit many allies during his quest to restore balance to the world, so it's no better way to show that in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following the initial card announcement, here are previews at one Ally plus a Shrine card in the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo stands as a cherished minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided in the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined in a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's expertise in mechanics, Teo can soar through the skies with his glider, even challenges Aang in a flying race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's fondness of the skies along with his tribe's use of flying machines by allowing the player loot whenever a player attacks with an airborne unit, while also strengthening your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life upon coming into play, based on the number of Shrines you have.

It also removes an additional point whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like a strong card, given the card's cheap mana cost and good ETB effect.

A big weakness for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH are the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however this card can be effective when paired alongside another Shrine, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond products are receiving significant backlash from the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and the full set will be launched November 21st.