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MTG enthusiasts frequently adopt tribe-based strategies — who has not constructed an elf strategy before? — and the new ATLA crossover release revives two popular examples which match seamlessly with the theme.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

One first mechanic, named "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar set which provides buffs each time additional creatures with this type come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based subtype which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments also become abilities when you has additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return of Allies Ability

Although Shrines have appeared here and there in recent sets, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — but that ends in ATLA, where the feature is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must assemble a lot of friends during his journey to bring back peace to the world, and it's no more fitting method to represent that through a Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

After the first set reveal, below are a look at an Allies plus a Shrines cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as a beloved minor character from ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom that resided in the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's skill with engineering, he can fly in the air using a flying device, even challenges Aang in a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his passion for flying and his tribe's use on flying machines through allowing the player draw and discard each time you attack with an airborne creature, and additionally boosting your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Regarding his home, it appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you control.

It also removes one more life whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

This appears to be a strong card, considering the card's cheap mana cost and valuable ETB ability.

One major drawback of Shrine-based decks outside of EDH is that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be great in combination with another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

At a time while crossover products are receiving a lot of hate from fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

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