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Magic: The Gathering fans consistently embrace tribal tactics — who has not built an elf strategy once or twice? — while this upcoming ATLA crossover release is reintroducing 2 well-known mechanics that fit perfectly to its setting.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The initial mechanic, named "Allies," first introduced in the Zendikar set and grants bonuses each time more permanents with this type come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based type which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise become power as you has more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have shown up here and there in recent sets, Allies mechanic was much rarer — but that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must gather numerous allies on the journey to restore peace to the world, so there's no more fitting way to represent this in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following the first set reveal, below is previews of an Allies and one Shrine card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is a beloved supporting character from ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe who resided in an Air Temple after his village was ruined by a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his father's skill with mechanics, Teo can soar through the skies using his glider, even dares the Avatar to an aerial race.

The card Teo reproduces his fondness of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines through allowing the player loot each time you attack with a flying unit, while also strengthening your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life upon coming into play, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

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

It appears to be a powerful addition, considering its cheap cost and good ETB effect.

A big weakness for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander is the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, however this card can be great when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time while crossover products have been receiving a lot of criticism from the community, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what MTG requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and the full set will be launched November 21st.