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MTG fans often adopt tribal strategies — what player hasn't constructed a goblin deck once or twice? — and this forthcoming ATLA crossover set brings back 2 well-known examples that fit perfectly with the theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first mechanic, named "Ally," first introduced in a Zendikar and grants boosts each time additional creatures bearing the Ally type enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based subtype which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become abilities as a player owns more Shrines in play.

The Return for the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have been shown up sporadically across newer sets, Allies mechanic was far less common — but that ends in ATLA, in which this mechanic gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must gather many friends during his journey to bring back peace to the world, and there's no more fitting way to show that in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following the first card announcement, below is previews of one Allies and one Shrines cards in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

This character is a cherished minor character in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe that resided at an Air Temple after his village was ruined by a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's prowess with mechanics, Teo is able to soar through the skies with a flying device, and dares Aang in a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his fondness for flying along with his tribe's reliance of gliders through allowing the player draw and discard whenever you attack with a flying unit, while also strengthening your team with counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life upon entering play, based on how many of Shrines you control.

It also removes an additional life anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

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

One big weakness for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH is the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, however this card is effective when paired alongside another Shrine, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently when crossover sets have been receiving a lot of hate by fans, an iconic series such as Avatar could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period is already here, with the full set will be released on Nov. 21.