🔗 Share this article

Magic: The Gathering players often embrace tribe-based decks — what player hasn't constructed a goblin strategy once or twice? — while this new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release revives 2 popular mechanics which align perfectly to the theme.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The first mechanic, known as "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar and provides buffs each time more creatures bearing this subtype enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is another enchantment subtype which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise become abilities when a player owns additional of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have appeared sporadically in recent releases, Allies mechanic has been seldom seen — but that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the mechanic is central.

Aang has to assemble numerous friends on the quest to restore peace across the four nations, so it's no better way to represent that through an Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following its initial card announcement, below are previews of an Allies plus one Shrines card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character is one beloved minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe that lived at an Air Temple after his village was destroyed in a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's prowess with engineering, Teo is able to soar in the air with a flying device, even dares the Avatar in a flying contest.

This card Teo represents his fondness for flying and the Earth Tribe's use of gliders by allowing you loot whenever a player attacks using a flying creature, and additionally pumping your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of his home, it is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life when entering the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you have.

It also drains one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like an impactful card, given its cheap cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

One big drawback for Shrine decks in formats besides EDH is the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently while crossover sets have been receiving a lot of hate by fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, with all cards set to be launched on Nov. 21.