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Magic: The Gathering players often adopt tribe-based strategies — what player has not assembled a zombie deck at some point? — while the upcoming ATLA crossover set revives 2 beloved mechanics that fit perfectly with its flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial ability, named "Allies," was introduced in a Zendikar set which gives bonuses whenever additional permanents bearing the Ally subtype come onto play.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based subtype that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise become power as a player owns more of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback of Allies Ability

While Shrines have appeared here and there across newer sets, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — until this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit numerous allies on the journey to bring back balance to the world, so there's no more fitting method to reflect that through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

After its initial card announcement, here is a look at an Ally and one Shrine cards in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo: A Beloved Character

This character stands as a popular supporting figure in ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom who resided in the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's expertise in mechanics, he can soar through the skies using his glider, even dares Aang to a flying contest.

The card Teo reproduces his fondness for the skies along with his tribe's use on gliders through allowing the player draw and discard each time a player attacks using a flying unit, and also boosting your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it appears as the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you control.

It furthermore drains an additional point anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like an impactful card, given its low cost plus valuable ETB ability.

A major drawback for Shrine-based decks outside of EDH is that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time while crossover sets have been garnering a lot of hate from the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season has begun, and the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.