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MTG players often embrace tribe-based tactics — who has not assembled a zombie strategy at some point? — while this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set is reintroducing two well-known mechanics which match seamlessly with its setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first ability, named "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar set which grants bonuses whenever more permanents bearing the Ally subtype come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is an enchantment type that first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain strength as a player has more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback of the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have been appeared here and there in newer sets, Allies subtype has been far less common — but this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature is central.

The protagonist Aang must assemble numerous companions during the journey to restore balance to the four nations, and it's no better method to reflect that in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

Following the first set announcement, here are previews of an Ally and one Shrines card from the new ATLA release.

Teo: A Beloved Character

Teo stands as a beloved minor character in ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided in an Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's skill with mechanics, he is able to fly through the skies with his glider, and dares Aang to an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's fondness for flying along with his tribe's use of gliders through letting the player draw and discard whenever you attack with a flying creature, while additionally boosting your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, it is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life when entering the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you control.

It furthermore removes an additional point anytime another Shrine enters the field.

It looks like a strong card, given the card's low cost and valuable ETB effect.

A big weakness of Shrine-based decks outside of Commander is the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently when crossover products have been receiving significant criticism by the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar can be precisely just what MTG requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards set to be launched on Nov. 21.