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MTG fans often embrace tribe-based tactics — what player hasn't constructed a zombie deck at some point? — while this forthcoming ATLA crossover set brings back two well-known mechanics that match perfectly to the setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first ability, named "Allies," was introduced with a Zendikar which grants bonuses each time additional creatures bearing the Ally subtype enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based type that first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also gain abilities when you owns additional of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been shown up occasionally in newer releases, the Ally subtype has been far less common — but this changes in ATLA, in which the feature is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit many companions on his journey to restore balance to the four nations, and there's no better method to show this in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After the initial card reveal, below is previews of an Allies and a Shrine card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character is a beloved supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe who lived at the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined in a flood, which left him paraplegic.

Due to his father's skill in engineering, he can fly through the skies with a flying device, and challenges the Avatar to an aerial race.

This card Teo represents Teo's passion for flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines by allowing the player loot each time a player attacks with an airborne unit, and also strengthening your team via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's home, this is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

The card also drains one more life anytime another Shrine enters the field.

This looks like a powerful card, given the card's low cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

One major drawback of Shrine strategies outside of Commander are that these cards are always legendary permanents, however this card can be effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond products have been receiving significant backlash by fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, with the full set will be released November 21st.