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Magic: The Gathering fans consistently enjoy tribe-based decks — who hasn't assembled a goblin strategy before? — and the new ATLA crossover set brings back 2 popular examples which fit perfectly with its setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial mechanic, named "Ally," first debuted in a Zendikar and gives bonuses each time more permanents with the Ally subtype enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based type that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become power as a player has more Shrines in play.

A Comeback for the Ally Ability

While Shrines have been appeared occasionally across newer releases, the Ally mechanic has been far less common — until this changes with ATLA, where the mechanic is central.

Aang must assemble many friends on his journey to bring back peace across the world, so it's no better way to represent that through an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following its initial set announcement, here is a look at one Allies and a Shrines cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Beloved Character

This character is a popular minor character from ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe who lived at an Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's expertise with mechanics, he can fly through the skies with a flying device, even dares Aang to an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's passion for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines by allowing the player loot each time you attack with a flying unit, and additionally boosting your team with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Regarding Teo's home, it is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total when coming into play, depending on the number Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore drains an additional point whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

It looks like an impactful addition, given the card's low cost and valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One major drawback for Shrine strategies outside of Commander is the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond products have been garnering a lot of backlash by the community, an iconic series such as Avatar can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, and the full set set to be released on Nov. 21.