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MTG enthusiasts often adopt tribe-based tactics — what player has not built an elf deck once or twice? — and this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release revives 2 beloved mechanics that match perfectly to the flavor.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The initial mechanic, known as "Ally," was introduced with the Zendikar which gives buffs each time more creatures bearing this subtype come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is an enchantment type that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also gain strength as a player owns additional of them on the battlefield.

A Return for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have appeared sporadically in recent sets, Allies mechanic was seldom seen — but that ends with ATLA, in which the feature gets heavily featured.

Aang has to recruit numerous allies during his journey to bring back peace to the world, and there's no more fitting method to reflect this through an Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following the first set announcement, here is previews at one Allies and a Shrines cards from the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

Teo stands as a cherished supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom that lived at the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's skill with mechanics, Teo is able to glide through the skies using his glider, even challenges Aang in a flying contest.

The card Teo reproduces his love of the skies and the Earth Tribe's use on gliders by letting you draw and discard each time you attack with an airborne unit, and additionally strengthening your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life when coming into play, based on the number of Shrines you control.

It furthermore removes an additional life anytime a Shrine enters the battlefield.

It looks like an impactful card, considering the card's cheap cost and good ETB effect.

One big weakness of Shrine-based strategies outside of Commander is the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is great in combination alongside another Shrine, which drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond sets have been receiving a lot of hate from fans, an iconic series such as Avatar can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.