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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently embrace tribal decks — who hasn't constructed a goblin strategy at some point? — while this new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release revives 2 well-known mechanics that align perfectly to its flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial mechanic, named "Ally," first introduced with the Zendikar set which provides boosts whenever more permanents bearing this subtype come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based type that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain power as a player owns more of them in play.

The Comeback for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically in newer sets, Allies subtype was seldom seen — but this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature is central.

The protagonist Aang must recruit a lot of companions during his journey to restore peace across the four nations, and it's no better way to show this through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following its initial set reveal, here is a look of an Allies and a Shrine card in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

Teo is a beloved minor figure in ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided at an Air Temple following his home was ruined by a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his father's prowess in mechanics, he can fly in the air using a flying device, even dares Aang in a flying race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his love for flying along with his tribe's use on gliders by letting you loot each time you attack using an airborne creature, and additionally strengthening your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total upon coming into play, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore removes one more point anytime a Shrine enters the battlefield.

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

One big weakness of Shrine decks in formats besides Commander are the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, however this card can be great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

At a time while crossover sets have been receiving a lot of backlash from the community, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, with all cards will be released on Nov. 21.