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MTG players consistently embrace tribal strategies — who has not constructed a zombie strategy before? — and the forthcoming ATLA crossover set revives two beloved examples that fit seamlessly to the theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial mechanic, known as "Allies," was introduced with a Zendikar which provides bonuses each time additional creatures bearing this subtype enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based type that first appeared in Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise gain abilities as a player has additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback of Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been shown up here and there in recent releases, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — but this ends in ATLA, in which the feature gets heavily featured.

Aang has to assemble many companions on the quest to bring back peace across the four nations, and there's no better method to show that through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following the first set announcement, below are previews at one Allies plus one Shrine cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as a cherished minor figure in ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe who lived at the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's prowess with mechanics, he is able to fly through the skies using his glider, and dares Aang to a flying race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his passion for flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines by allowing you loot each time a player attacks using a flying unit, and additionally pumping your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, this appears as the card Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you control.

It furthermore drains one more point anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like a strong card, considering the card's cheap cost and good ETB effect.

A big drawback for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH are that these cards are typically Legendary, but this card can be effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

At a time while crossover products have been garnering significant backlash from fans, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period has begun, with the full set will be launched November 21st.