🔗 Share this article

MTG fans frequently adopt tribal decks — what player has not constructed a goblin strategy once or twice? — while this upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set revives two popular examples which fit seamlessly to the setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial ability, known as "Ally," first introduced with the Zendikar set and grants bonuses whenever additional permanents bearing the Ally subtype come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based subtype which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain power as a player has additional Shrines in play.

The Return for the Ally Ability

While Shrines have shown up occasionally across recent sets, Allies subtype was seldom seen — but this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature gets central.

Aang has to gather many friends on his journey to bring back peace across the world, and there's no better way to show that through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following the first set announcement, here are previews at one Allies and a Shrine cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo stands as a beloved supporting figure from ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe that resided at the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his father's prowess with mechanics, he can fly in the air with a flying device, and challenges the Avatar in an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his fondness of flying and the Earth Tribe's use of flying machines by letting you draw and discard whenever you attack with an airborne creature, and also strengthening your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, this appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life upon coming into play, based on how many of Shrines you control.

It also removes an additional point whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like a powerful card, given its cheap mana cost plus valuable ETB ability.

A big drawback for Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander are the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but this card is great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently while crossover sets are garnering significant backlash by fans, a beloved series like Avatar can be exactly what MTG requires.

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