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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often enjoy tribe-based strategies — what player hasn't constructed a zombie deck at some point? — and this new ATLA crossover set brings back 2 beloved examples that align perfectly with the theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first mechanic, called "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar set which provides bonuses whenever additional creatures with this type enter play.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based type which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also gain power when you owns additional of them on the battlefield.

The Return of the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have appeared here and there in newer sets, Allies mechanic has been far less common — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must recruit many friends on the journey to restore peace to the four nations, and it's no more fitting method to represent that through an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

After its initial card announcement, here is previews of an Allies and a Shrine cards in the new ATLA set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as one cherished supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided in an Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his father's expertise with engineering, he is able to glide in the air with his glider, and dares the Avatar in a flying race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his love for flying and his tribe's use on flying machines by letting you draw and discard each time a player attacks using a flying unit, and also pumping your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's home, it is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life total when entering play, based on the number of Shrines you have.

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

This looks like a powerful addition, given its low mana cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

One big weakness of Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander is the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, however this card is great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently while crossover products are receiving significant backlash by the community, an iconic series such as Avatar could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, and all cards will be launched November 21st.