🔗 Share this article Exclusive: How Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender Expansion Brings Back 2 Fan-Favorite Tribal Mechanics Magic: The Gathering fans consistently embrace tribe-based decks — who has not assembled an elf strategy at some point? — while the forthcoming ATLA crossover set revives 2 well-known mechanics that align seamlessly with the setting. Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities One first ability, named "Ally," first debuted in a Zendikar which gives boosts whenever more permanents with the Ally subtype come onto the field. On the other hand, "Shrine" represents an enchantment subtype which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines also gain strength as you controls additional Shrines in play. A Comeback of Allies Ability Although Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally across recent sets, the Ally mechanic was seldom seen — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature gets heavily featured. Aang must gather a lot of companions during his journey to bring back balance to the four nations, so it's no more fitting way to reflect that through a Magic set. Exclusive Card Preview After the first card reveal, here are previews of an Allies and one Shrine card from the new ATLA release. Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure This character is one cherished supporting character in ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom who resided in an Air Temple after his village was ruined in a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk. Due to his dad's prowess in mechanics, he can glide in the air with a flying device, even dares the Avatar to an aerial contest. This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his love for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's use on gliders by letting you loot whenever you attack with an airborne unit, and additionally pumping your team with +1/+1 counters in the process. The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you control. It furthermore drains one more life anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield. This appears to be a powerful addition, given the card's low mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect. One big drawback for Shrine strategies outside of Commander are that Shrines are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired alongside another Shrine, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase. A Timely Crossover At a time when Universes Beyond products are receiving significant backlash from the community, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what MTG requires. Spoiler season is already here, with all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.