🔗 Share this article

MTG fans consistently enjoy tribe-based tactics — who hasn't built an elf strategy at some point? — and this upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set revives two beloved examples that match seamlessly with its theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first ability, known as "Ally," first introduced in the Zendikar and provides buffs whenever additional permanents bearing the Ally subtype come onto the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based type that first appeared in Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, Shrines also become abilities when you controls additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback for Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have been shown up sporadically in newer releases, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — but this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must recruit numerous allies during his journey to restore peace to the four nations, and there's no more fitting way to represent this in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following the first set announcement, below is previews at an Allies plus one Shrine cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as one cherished supporting character from ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe that lived at the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined by a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's prowess with engineering, Teo can fly through the skies with a flying device, even dares Aang in a flying contest.

The card Teo reproduces Teo's love of flying along with the Earth Tribe's use of flying machines by letting you loot each time a player attacks using an airborne unit, and also strengthening your creatures via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, this is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

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

This looks like an impactful card, considering its cheap cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One major weakness of Shrine-based decks outside of Commander is the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, but this card can be great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond sets have been garnering significant backlash by the community, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what MTG needs.

Preview period is already here, and all cards will be released on Nov. 21.