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Magic: The Gathering players frequently adopt tribe-based tactics — what player has not built a zombie strategy before? — and the forthcoming ATLA crossover set revives 2 beloved examples which match seamlessly to the flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial mechanic, known as "Ally," was introduced in a Zendikar set which provides bonuses each time more permanents with this subtype come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based subtype that first appeared in Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines also gain strength as a player controls additional of them on the battlefield.

A Return for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have appeared sporadically in newer releases, Allies mechanic was much rarer — until this ends in ATLA, where the feature gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must gather many allies on his journey to bring back peace across the world, and it's no more fitting way to show this through an Magic set.

Exclusive Card Preview

After the initial card reveal, here is a look at an Allies and one Shrine card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo stands as one popular minor figure from ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe that lived in the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's expertise in mechanics, he is able to soar in the air using a flying device, and dares the Avatar to an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's fondness for the skies and his tribe's reliance of gliders through allowing you draw and discard each time a player attacks using a flying creature, and additionally pumping your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Regarding his home, this appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

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

This looks like a strong addition, given the card's low cost and valuable enter the battlefield ability.

A major drawback for Shrine strategies outside of Commander is the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be great when paired with another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time while crossover sets are garnering a lot of criticism by the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season is already here, and all cards will be launched November 21st.