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MTG players often enjoy tribal strategies — who has not built an elf deck once or twice? — and this upcoming ATLA crossover set brings back two beloved mechanics which fit seamlessly to its setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first ability, called "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar which gives buffs each time more creatures bearing the Ally subtype come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based type that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also become abilities when a player controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return for the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have shown up sporadically across recent sets, Allies subtype has been much rarer — until that changes in ATLA, in which the feature gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must gather a lot of companions during his quest to restore balance across the world, so it's no more fitting method to show this through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following its first card announcement, below is a look of an Allies and a Shrines card in the new ATLA release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character is a cherished minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom who resided in the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined by a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's expertise in mechanics, he is able to glide through the skies using a flying device, and challenges the Avatar to an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's passion for the skies along with his tribe's reliance on gliders by allowing the player draw and discard each time you attack with a flying creature, and also boosting your team via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it appears in the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life when coming into play, based on the number of Shrines you have.

It furthermore removes one more life anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

It appears to be a powerful addition, given its low cost plus valuable ETB ability.

One major weakness for Shrine decks outside of EDH is that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however this card is effective when paired with another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond sets are receiving a lot of criticism from fans, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season is already here, and the full set will be launched November 21st.