🔗 Share this article

Magic: The Gathering players often adopt tribe-based strategies — who hasn't built an elf strategy before? — and this new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set brings back 2 well-known mechanics that fit seamlessly with the theme.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The first mechanic, named "Allies," was introduced in the Zendikar which grants buffs each time additional permanents with this type enter the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based subtype which originated in Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise gain strength as a player has more Shrines in play.

The Comeback for Allies Ability

While Shrines have been appeared occasionally in newer sets, Allies subtype has been much rarer — but that ends with ATLA, in which this mechanic gets central.

The protagonist Aang must gather many companions on the quest to bring back balance across the four nations, and it's no more fitting way to represent this through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After the initial card announcement, below is previews at one Ally and a Shrines card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is one cherished minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom that lived at the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined in a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's expertise with engineering, Teo is able to soar through the skies using a flying device, and dares the Avatar to a flying race.

This card Teo showcases his love for the skies along with his tribe's use on flying machines through letting the player draw and discard each time you attack using a flying unit, while additionally strengthening your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, it is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life upon entering play, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

The card also removes an additional life whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be a strong addition, given its low cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

One big weakness for Shrine decks outside of Commander is that these cards are typically Legendary, however this card can be great in combination alongside another Shrine, that drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time when crossover products have been garnering significant hate by the community, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season is already here, and the full set will be released on Nov. 21.