🔗 Share this article

MTG players consistently enjoy tribe-based decks — who hasn't built an elf strategy before? — while the forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release revives two popular mechanics which match seamlessly with the flavor.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One initial ability, known as "Allies," was debuted with the Zendikar set which gives buffs whenever additional permanents with this type enter play.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is another enchantment type that first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain strength as you controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return for the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have been appeared here and there in recent releases, the Ally mechanic has been far less common — until this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit many allies on the quest to restore balance across the world, and there's no more fitting way to reflect that in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After its initial set reveal, below are previews at an Ally and one Shrines card from the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character is one popular supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom that lived at the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined in a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's expertise in engineering, Teo is able to fly through the skies with a flying device, even challenges the Avatar in an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his passion of the skies and his tribe's reliance on gliders through allowing the player draw and discard each time a player attacks with a flying creature, while also boosting your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, this is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life when entering the battlefield, depending on how many Shrine cards you control.

The card also removes one more life anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like an impactful addition, given the card's cheap cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

One major drawback for Shrine decks outside of Commander are the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond sets are garnering a lot of backlash from the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar can be exactly just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season has begun, and the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.