🔗 Share this article

Magic: The Gathering players often embrace tribal tactics — what player hasn't built a zombie strategy once or twice? — while this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set brings back 2 beloved mechanics which align seamlessly to its setting.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The initial ability, named "Allies," first debuted with a Zendikar set which provides bonuses whenever more creatures bearing this type come onto the field.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is an enchantment subtype which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise become power as you has more Shrines in play.

The Return of the Ally Ability

While Shrines have shown up here and there across newer releases, the Ally mechanic has been far less common — but this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit many friends during his journey to restore peace across the four nations, so it's no better way to show that through an Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

After the first card announcement, here are previews at an Allies plus a Shrine cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Beloved Figure

This character stands as a beloved supporting character in ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe who lived in an Air Temple after his village was ruined in a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's prowess in mechanics, Teo can soar through the skies using his glider, even challenges the Avatar to a flying race.

This card Teo reproduces Teo's passion of flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders by letting the player loot whenever you attack using a flying unit, and also boosting your team via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Speaking of his home, this is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

The card furthermore drains an additional life whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be a powerful card, given its low cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

A major drawback for Shrine decks in formats besides Commander are that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however this card is effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

Currently while crossover products have been garnering a lot of backlash by fans, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, and the full set set to be launched November 21st.