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Magic: The Gathering fans consistently enjoy tribal tactics — what player has not constructed an elf strategy before? — and the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set revives 2 beloved examples that fit perfectly with the setting.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One first mechanic, called "Allies," was introduced with a Zendikar set which provides bonuses each time additional creatures with the Ally type enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents another enchantment type which originated with Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also gain power when you owns additional Shrines in play.

A Comeback of Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have appeared here and there in recent releases, Allies subtype was much rarer — until this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must gather many allies on the quest to bring back balance across the world, so it's no better method to reflect that through a Magic set.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following the initial card reveal, here is a look at an Ally and one Shrines card from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is a popular minor figure from ATLA, a boy of Earth Kingdom that resided in an Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a disaster, which left him unable to walk.

Because of his father's expertise in engineering, Teo is able to fly in the air using a flying device, and challenges Aang to a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's passion for flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders by letting you loot whenever you attack using a flying unit, while also strengthening your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Regarding his home, this appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you have.

It furthermore removes one more point anytime a Shrine enters the battlefield.

It looks like a strong addition, given the card's cheap cost plus valuable ETB ability.

One big weakness of Shrine decks outside of EDH is that Shrines are always Legendary, however this card is effective when paired alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time when crossover products have been garnering significant criticism by fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar could be precisely just what MTG needs.

Preview period is already here, and the full set will be released on Nov. 21.