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MTG enthusiasts consistently adopt tribe-based strategies — who hasn't built a zombie strategy at some point? — and this forthcoming ATLA crossover release brings back two beloved mechanics that match perfectly to the setting.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The first ability, called "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar set which provides buffs each time additional creatures with this subtype enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based subtype that originated with Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also become abilities as you controls more of them on the battlefield.

The Return of the Ally Ability

While Shrines have appeared sporadically in newer sets, the Ally mechanic has been seldom seen — but that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble many friends on the quest to restore balance across the four nations, and there's no better method to show that through an Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

After the initial card announcement, below are a look of one Ally and one Shrines card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as a cherished minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom who lived at the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined in a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's expertise in engineering, he can soar in the air with his glider, and dares Aang to an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his passion of flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines through letting the player loot each time you attack using an airborne creature, while additionally boosting your team via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, this is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total upon coming into play, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card also removes an additional point anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be a strong card, given its low mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield ability.

A major drawback of Shrine decks outside of Commander are that these cards are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is effective in combination alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time when crossover sets are receiving a lot of hate from fans, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what MTG requires.

Preview period has begun, with the full set set to be released November 21st.