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MTG enthusiasts often adopt tribal tactics — who hasn't constructed an elf deck at some point? — and the new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release is reintroducing two well-known mechanics which fit perfectly with the theme.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The first ability, named "Allies," first introduced in the Zendikar set which gives buffs each time additional creatures bearing this subtype enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is an enchantment type which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, these enchantments also become power when you controls more Shrines in play.

A Comeback of Allies Ability

While Shrines have been appeared sporadically across recent releases, the Ally subtype has been much rarer — but that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble a lot of friends on his quest to bring back peace to the world, so there's no more fitting method to represent this in an Magic set.

Revealed Card Showcase

After the initial card announcement, here is a look at one Ally plus a Shrine cards in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

This character stands as one cherished supporting figure in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe who lived in the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined in a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's skill with mechanics, Teo is able to glide through the skies with his glider, even dares Aang to a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's passion of the skies and his tribe's use on gliders by allowing the player loot each time you attack with a flying creature, and additionally strengthening your creatures via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you have.

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

It appears to be a powerful addition, given its low mana cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

One major weakness for Shrine strategies outside of EDH is that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however this card can be great when paired with another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond products have been receiving a lot of backlash from fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what MTG requires.

Preview period has begun, with all cards set to be released on Nov. 21.