🔗 Share this article

Magic: The Gathering fans consistently enjoy tribe-based strategies — who hasn't built an elf strategy before? — while this new ATLA Universes Beyond set is reintroducing 2 well-known mechanics which match perfectly to its setting.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

One first mechanic, called "Allies," was introduced in a Zendikar set which provides boosts whenever additional permanents bearing the Ally subtype enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents an enchantment subtype which originated with Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise become strength as you has additional of them in play.

The Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have been shown up here and there in newer releases, Allies subtype was much rarer — but this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must gather many friends during the quest to bring back peace to the four nations, and there's no better method to represent that in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following its first set reveal, below are previews at an Ally and a Shrine card in the new ATLA release.

Teo: The Beloved Character

Teo is a cherished minor character in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe who lived in the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined in a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's expertise with mechanics, Teo can soar through the skies with a flying device, and challenges the Avatar in an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his fondness of flying along with the Earth Tribe's use on flying machines by letting the player draw and discard each time you attack using a flying creature, while additionally boosting your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's home, this is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life upon entering play, based on how many of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore drains an additional point anytime a Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be an impactful addition, considering its low mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

One major weakness for Shrine decks in formats besides Commander is the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, but this card is great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond products are garnering significant hate by the community, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what MTG needs.

Preview period is already here, and all cards will be released November 21st.