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MTG fans consistently embrace tribe-based strategies — what player has not constructed a zombie deck once or twice? — and the new ATLA crossover release is reintroducing two popular examples that align seamlessly to the setting.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One initial mechanic, called "Allies," first debuted in a Zendikar which provides bonuses each time more creatures bearing the Ally type enter the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based subtype which originated in Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise become power when you controls more of them in play.

A Return for Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have appeared sporadically in newer sets, Allies subtype was much rarer — until this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature gets central.

The protagonist Aang must gather numerous companions on the quest to restore balance across the four nations, and there's no more fitting method to represent that through a Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

Following the first card announcement, below are previews at one Ally and one Shrine cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is one beloved supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom that lived at an Air Temple after his village was ruined in a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's skill with mechanics, Teo is able to soar through the skies with his glider, and dares the Avatar in a flying race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his passion for flying along with his tribe's use of flying machines by allowing you draw and discard whenever you attack using a flying unit, while additionally boosting your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding Teo's home, it is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

It furthermore removes an additional point anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be a powerful card, considering the card's cheap cost plus good ETB effect.

One big weakness of Shrine decks outside of EDH are that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently while crossover sets are garnering significant hate by the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

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