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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently embrace tribe-based strategies — who hasn't built a goblin strategy once or twice? — while the upcoming ATLA crossover set is reintroducing 2 well-known examples which align perfectly with the flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first ability, called "Allies," was debuted with a Zendikar set which provides bonuses whenever additional creatures bearing this type come onto the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is an enchantment subtype which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become strength when a player owns additional of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have been appeared occasionally across recent releases, the Ally mechanic was far less common — until this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must assemble a lot of companions during the journey to bring back balance to the four nations, so there's no more fitting method to reflect that in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

After the initial card announcement, below are a look at an Allies and a Shrine cards in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is one cherished supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe who resided in an Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a disaster, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his father's prowess with mechanics, he is able to glide in the air using his glider, and challenges the Avatar to a flying race.

The card Teo showcases his passion for the skies and his tribe's use of gliders through allowing you loot whenever you attack using a flying unit, while additionally pumping your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this appears as the card Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life when entering play, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

It also drains one more life anytime a Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be an impactful addition, considering the card's cheap cost and good ETB ability.

A big weakness of Shrine decks in formats besides Commander are that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however this card can be great in combination alongside another Shrine, which drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time when crossover sets are garnering a lot of hate by the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards set to be launched on Nov. 21.