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Magic: The Gathering fans often enjoy tribal tactics — what player has not assembled a goblin deck at some point? — while the new ATLA crossover release brings back 2 popular examples which align seamlessly with its theme.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

One first mechanic, known as "Allies," first debuted in a Zendikar which gives boosts each time additional creatures bearing this subtype come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based type that first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, Shrines also gain power as you has additional Shrines in play.

The Comeback of the Ally Ability

While Shrines have appeared here and there across recent releases, Allies mechanic has been far less common — until that changes with ATLA, where the feature is central.

Aang must recruit many companions during his journey to restore peace to the world, so there's no more fitting way to reflect that in an Magic set.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following its first set reveal, here are previews at an Ally plus a Shrines card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

Teo is a popular supporting figure in ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom that lived in the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's skill in engineering, Teo can glide through the skies with a flying device, and challenges Aang to a flying race.

This card Teo represents his love of flying along with his tribe's reliance of gliders by letting the player draw and discard each time you attack using a flying unit, and additionally pumping your creatures via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life total upon coming into play, based on the number of Shrines you have.

It also drains an additional life whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like an impactful addition, considering its cheap mana cost plus good ETB effect.

A major weakness of Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH is the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be effective in combination with another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond products have been receiving significant criticism by fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period has begun, with all cards will be launched November 21st.