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MTG enthusiasts often embrace tribe-based strategies — what player hasn't assembled a zombie deck before? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release revives two popular examples that fit seamlessly to the setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial mechanic, known as "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar and provides bonuses each time additional permanents bearing the Ally subtype enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based subtype which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain strength as a player has more Shrines in play.

The Return for the Ally Ability

While Shrines have appeared occasionally across recent sets, Allies subtype has been far less common — until this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble numerous companions on the journey to restore peace across the world, and it's no better way to reflect this in a Magic expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After its initial card announcement, below is previews of an Allies and a Shrine cards in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

Teo stands as a cherished supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom that lived at the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his father's expertise in mechanics, Teo is able to glide in the air using a flying device, and challenges Aang in an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's love for flying along with the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through letting the player loot each time a player attacks using a flying creature, while additionally boosting your creatures via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's home, it appears as the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life upon coming into play, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card also removes an additional life whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.

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

One big drawback for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander is that these cards are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is effective in combination alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond products have been garnering a lot of hate from fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set set to be released November 21st.