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MTG enthusiasts consistently enjoy tribal strategies — what player hasn't built an elf deck once or twice? — and this upcoming ATLA crossover release is reintroducing two well-known examples which fit perfectly with the setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first ability, known as "Ally," was debuted with a Zendikar set which grants bonuses each time additional creatures with the Ally type come onto the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents an enchantment subtype that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines also gain abilities when you has more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return of Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have shown up occasionally in newer releases, the Ally subtype has been far less common — until that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic gets central.

Aang has to recruit many companions during the quest to bring back peace across the world, so it's no better way to reflect that in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following its first card announcement, below is previews at an Ally plus a Shrines cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as one cherished minor figure from ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe that resided in an Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's skill in mechanics, Teo can soar through the skies with his glider, even challenges Aang to an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his passion of flying along with the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through allowing the player loot whenever you attack with a flying unit, while also strengthening your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life when entering the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore drains an additional point anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like a strong card, considering the card's cheap mana cost and good ETB effect.

A big weakness for Shrine decks outside of EDH is the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but this card can be effective when paired with another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently while crossover sets have been garnering significant hate by the community, an iconic series like Avatar can be exactly just what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, and the full set will be released on Nov. 21.