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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently adopt tribal tactics — what player has not assembled a goblin deck before? — while the upcoming ATLA crossover release brings back 2 popular examples which fit perfectly to its flavor.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The initial mechanic, called "Allies," first debuted in the Zendikar and grants buffs whenever more permanents bearing this type come onto the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents an enchantment type which first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become abilities when you has additional of them on the battlefield.

The Return for the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally across newer releases, the Ally subtype has been far less common — until that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic is prominently used.

Aang must recruit a lot of companions during his quest to restore balance to the world, so it's no better method to show this in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following the first card announcement, here are previews of an Allies and one Shrines card from the new ATLA set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character is one popular minor character from ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe that resided in the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined by a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's skill in engineering, Teo is able to soar through the skies using his glider, and challenges the Avatar to an aerial contest.

This card Teo showcases Teo's love for the skies along with his tribe's reliance of flying machines through allowing you loot whenever a player attacks using an airborne unit, while also pumping your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life upon coming into play, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

It also removes an additional point anytime a Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be a strong card, considering the card's low mana cost plus good ETB effect.

One big drawback for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be great in combination alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond products are garnering significant criticism by the community, a beloved series like Avatar can be precisely just what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, and all cards will be launched November 21st.