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MTG players often embrace tribal decks — who has not constructed an elf strategy once or twice? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set revives 2 beloved mechanics which align perfectly to the setting.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The first mechanic, named "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar set which grants buffs whenever additional creatures bearing the Ally type come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based subtype which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, these enchantments also become strength as you owns additional Shrines in play.

A Comeback of the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have shown up here and there in newer sets, Allies mechanic has been much rarer — but this ends with ATLA, where this mechanic gets prominently used.

Aang has to recruit a lot of companions on the journey to restore peace across the four nations, and it's no more fitting way to show that through an Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After the initial card announcement, here are previews of an Allies and a Shrine cards in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character is a cherished supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe who resided at an Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's skill in mechanics, Teo is able to fly in the air using his glider, even dares Aang to a flying race.

This card Teo represents Teo's passion for flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines by letting the player loot each time a player attacks with a flying creature, while also pumping your creatures via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, it appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life when entering play, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

It also removes an additional point whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like a powerful addition, given its low cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A major drawback of Shrine decks outside of EDH is the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time while crossover sets are garnering significant backlash by fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season is already here, and all cards set to be released November 21st.