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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently embrace tribe-based tactics — who has not constructed a goblin strategy at some point? — while the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set is reintroducing 2 well-known mechanics which match perfectly to its setting.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One first ability, called "Ally," first introduced in a Zendikar set which provides bonuses each time more permanents with this subtype come onto play.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based type which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also gain abilities as a player owns additional of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have been appeared here and there across newer sets, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — but this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to gather numerous friends during his quest to restore balance across the world, so there's no better way to reflect this through an Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following the initial set reveal, below is previews at an Allies plus one Shrine cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo stands as one popular minor character from ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom that resided at an Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's prowess in mechanics, he is able to glide in the air using his glider, and dares Aang to an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's love for the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines by allowing you draw and discard whenever a player attacks with a flying unit, while also pumping your creatures via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Speaking of his home, it appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore drains one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be a strong addition, given its low cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

One big weakness for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander is the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, but this card is effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently while crossover sets have been garnering significant criticism from the community, a beloved series such as Avatar could be precisely what MTG needs.

Preview period is already here, and all cards set to be launched November 21st.