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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently embrace tribe-based tactics — what player has not built a zombie deck once or twice? — and this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release revives 2 beloved examples which align perfectly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One initial ability, called "Allies," was introduced with a Zendikar which grants boosts whenever additional permanents bearing the Ally type come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based type which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become strength when a player controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return of the Ally Ability

While Shrines have been shown up occasionally in recent releases, the Ally mechanic has been far less common — until that ends with ATLA, where the feature is central.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble many allies during his journey to restore peace to the four nations, and there's no better way to represent that through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following its first set announcement, below are previews at one Allies plus one Shrines card in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo: A Beloved Character

Teo stands as one beloved supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe that lived at an Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's prowess with engineering, he can fly in the air using his glider, and challenges the Avatar to an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's fondness for flying and the Earth Tribe's use of gliders by letting you loot whenever you attack with a flying unit, while also pumping your creatures via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Regarding his home, it is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you have.

It furthermore removes one more life anytime another Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be an impactful card, considering its low cost plus good ETB ability.

One major weakness for Shrine decks in formats besides Commander are the fact that these cards are always Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is effective in combination alongside another Shrine, that drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently when crossover sets are receiving significant criticism by fans, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, and the full set set to be launched November 21st.