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MTG enthusiasts consistently enjoy tribe-based decks — what player has not constructed a zombie strategy at some point? — while the new ATLA crossover release brings back 2 popular examples which fit seamlessly to the theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first mechanic, known as "Ally," first introduced with a Zendikar set and gives buffs whenever more permanents with the Ally subtype come onto the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents an enchantment subtype that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also become power as a player has additional of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically in recent sets, the Ally mechanic has been seldom seen — but that changes with ATLA, in which the feature gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must assemble many companions on his quest to restore balance across the world, and it's no better way to represent this through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

After the initial card reveal, below are a look at an Allies and a Shrine card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Beloved Character

This character is one popular supporting figure in ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom that lived at an Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his father's prowess with engineering, Teo is able to soar through the skies using a flying device, and dares Aang to a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's fondness of flying along with his tribe's reliance on flying machines through letting the player draw and discard whenever you attack with a flying creature, while also pumping your creatures via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, it appears in the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life when entering play, based on the number of Shrines you control.

It furthermore removes one more point anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It looks like a strong card, considering its cheap cost and good ETB effect.

One big drawback for Shrine decks in formats besides EDH are the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is effective in combination with another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond sets are garnering a lot of criticism from the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, and the full set will be launched November 21st.