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MTG fans often embrace tribe-based tactics — who has not built a goblin strategy once or twice? — while the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set is reintroducing 2 popular mechanics which match seamlessly with its theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The initial ability, named "Ally," first introduced in the Zendikar set which gives boosts each time more permanents bearing the Ally type enter the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based subtype which originated in Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become abilities when you owns more Shrines in play.

The Comeback for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally across newer sets, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — but this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature is central.

Aang must recruit numerous allies on the quest to restore peace to the four nations, so there's no more fitting method to reflect that in a Magic set.

Revealed Card Preview

After the initial card reveal, below is previews at an Ally plus a Shrine cards from the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

This character stands as one cherished supporting figure from ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom that lived in an Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Because of his father's prowess in engineering, he is able to soar in the air using his glider, even challenges the Avatar to an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his love of the skies along with his tribe's reliance on flying machines through allowing you loot each time a player attacks with an airborne creature, while also strengthening your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of his home, it is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life when entering play, based on the number of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore drains one more life anytime a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be a strong card, given its low cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

One major weakness for Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH are that Shrines are typically Legendary, however this card is great when paired with another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond products are receiving a lot of backlash from the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, with all cards set to be released November 21st.