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MTG fans frequently enjoy tribe-based tactics — who has not assembled a zombie deck before? — while this new ATLA crossover release revives two well-known mechanics which match perfectly to the flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial mechanic, named "Allies," was debuted with the Zendikar and gives buffs each time additional permanents with this subtype enter the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based subtype which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise become abilities as a player controls more of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically in newer sets, Allies mechanic has been seldom seen — but this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature is central.

Aang must recruit a lot of companions during his quest to restore balance to the four nations, and it's no better method to reflect this in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Preview

Following its first card reveal, here is previews of an Allies plus one Shrine card from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

Teo stands as a cherished minor character from ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe who lived at an Air Temple following his village was ruined by a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his father's expertise in engineering, Teo can soar in the air using his glider, and dares Aang to a flying contest.

This card Teo represents Teo's fondness for the skies and the Earth Tribe's use of gliders by letting you loot whenever a player attacks with a flying creature, and additionally strengthening your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's home, it is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

It also drains an additional point anytime a Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be an impactful card, considering its cheap cost and valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One major drawback for Shrine decks in formats besides EDH are the fact that these cards are always Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently when crossover sets have been receiving significant criticism from fans, a beloved series such as Avatar can be exactly what MTG needs.

Preview period is already here, with the full set set to be released November 21st.