🔗 Share this article

Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often adopt tribal tactics — who hasn't built a zombie strategy at some point? — while this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release brings back two beloved examples which align perfectly with its setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial ability, called "Ally," first debuted in a Zendikar and grants boosts each time additional creatures with this subtype come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based type which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not a creature tribe, these enchantments also gain abilities as you owns additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return of the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have appeared occasionally in recent sets, the Ally mechanic was much rarer — until this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature is central.

The protagonist Aang must assemble a lot of companions on the journey to restore peace across the four nations, so there's no more fitting method to show this through a Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

After its initial card announcement, here are a look of one Ally plus a Shrine card from the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Character

This character is a cherished supporting character in ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe that resided at an Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his father's prowess in mechanics, Teo is able to soar through the skies using his glider, even dares Aang to an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his passion for the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders by allowing the player loot each time a player attacks with a flying unit, while additionally pumping your team via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, it appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life upon coming into play, based on the number of Shrines you control.

The card also removes one more point anytime a Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be a strong card, considering the card's cheap mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One major drawback of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH are that these cards are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond sets have been garnering significant criticism by fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, with the full set set to be released November 21st.