Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often enjoy tribe-based tactics — who hasn't assembled an elf strategy before? — and this upcoming ATLA crossover release is reintroducing 2 well-known mechanics which fit seamlessly with its setting.
One first mechanic, named "Allies," was debuted with the Zendikar set and provides boosts whenever more creatures bearing the Ally type enter the field.
Alternatively, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based type which first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also become abilities as a player has additional Shrines on the battlefield.
While Shrines have appeared occasionally across recent releases, the Ally subtype was much rarer — until this changes with ATLA, where this mechanic gets central.
The protagonist Aang must assemble a lot of allies on his quest to bring back peace to the world, so it's no more fitting method to represent this through a Magic expansion.
After the initial card announcement, here is a look at an Ally and one Shrines card from the upcoming ATLA release.
This character stands as one cherished minor figure from ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom that lived in an Air Temple following his village was ruined in a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.
Because of his father's prowess with engineering, he can fly in the air using a flying device, and challenges the Avatar in an aerial race.
This card Teo showcases his fondness for the skies along with his tribe's reliance on flying machines by letting you loot each time you attack using a flying creature, and also pumping your team with counters in the process.
Speaking of Teo's home, it is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you have.
It also removes one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.
It appears to be a powerful card, given the card's cheap mana cost plus good ETB effect.
A major drawback for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH are that these cards are typically Legendary, however this card can be great when paired alongside another Shrine, which drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.
Currently when crossover products have been garnering significant backlash from the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.
Preview period has begun, with all cards will be released November 21st.
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