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Magic: The Gathering players consistently embrace tribal decks — what player hasn't constructed a goblin strategy once or twice? — and this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release revives 2 beloved mechanics that match perfectly to its theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial ability, named "Allies," first debuted with the Zendikar which gives boosts whenever additional creatures with the Ally type come onto the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based subtype which originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also gain abilities as a player has more of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback for Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally in recent releases, Allies subtype was much rarer — until this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature gets central.

Aang must assemble a lot of companions during his journey to restore peace across the four nations, so it's no more fitting way to show this in a Magic set.

Exclusive Card Showcase

After its initial set reveal, below is previews at an Ally plus a Shrine card from the new ATLA set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as a beloved minor figure from ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom who lived at the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined in a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's expertise with engineering, he can fly through the skies using a flying device, and challenges Aang in a flying race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's love for the skies along with his tribe's use of gliders through allowing the player draw and discard each time a player attacks with an airborne unit, and additionally pumping your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it appears in the card Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total when coming into play, based on the number of Shrines you control.

The card furthermore removes an additional life anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This appears to be an impactful card, given its low mana cost plus good ETB ability.

One major weakness of Shrine decks outside of EDH are the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time when crossover sets are receiving a lot of backlash from fans, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what MTG needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set set to be released November 21st.