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Magic: The Gathering players consistently adopt tribe-based strategies — what player hasn't built a goblin deck once or twice? — while this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set is reintroducing two well-known mechanics that align seamlessly with its setting.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The first ability, known as "Allies," first introduced in the Zendikar set and provides boosts each time additional creatures bearing the Ally type come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based type which originated in Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise become abilities as you owns more of them in play.

The Comeback for Allies Ability

Although Shrines have been shown up here and there across newer sets, the Ally mechanic was seldom seen — until that changes with ATLA, where this feature gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must recruit a lot of companions on the journey to bring back balance to the four nations, so there's no better way to represent this through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After the first card announcement, below is a look at one Ally plus one Shrines card in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

This character is a beloved supporting figure in ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom who lived at the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined by a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's prowess with engineering, he can soar in the air using his glider, even dares Aang to a flying race.

This card Teo showcases his fondness of flying and his tribe's use of flying machines by allowing you loot whenever you attack using a flying unit, while additionally pumping your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it appears in the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life upon coming into play, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

It furthermore drains an additional life anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This looks like an impactful addition, considering its cheap cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

One major weakness of Shrine decks in formats besides EDH is that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond products are receiving a lot of hate by fans, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period has begun, and the full set will be released November 21st.