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MTG fans frequently embrace tribe-based strategies — who hasn't constructed a goblin deck at some point? — and this forthcoming ATLA crossover release is reintroducing 2 popular mechanics that match perfectly with the theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial mechanic, named "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar set and provides buffs whenever more permanents with this type come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based type that first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also gain strength when you owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback of Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have appeared here and there across newer sets, Allies mechanic has been much rarer — but that changes in ATLA, where the feature gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to gather numerous friends during his quest to bring back balance across the four nations, and there's no better way to reflect this in a Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

After its first set announcement, here are a look at an Allies and one Shrines card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as one beloved minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom that resided at the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his father's expertise in engineering, Teo can soar in the air with his glider, and dares Aang to an aerial contest.

The card Teo reproduces Teo's love of the skies along with his tribe's reliance of flying machines by letting the player loot whenever you attack with a flying unit, while additionally pumping your team via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life when entering the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

The card furthermore drains an additional point whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like a strong card, given its low cost and good ETB ability.

One big weakness for Shrine strategies outside of EDH are that Shrines are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond sets have been garnering significant hate from fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, with the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.