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Magic: The Gathering players frequently adopt tribe-based tactics — who has not constructed an elf strategy once or twice? — while the new ATLA crossover release brings back 2 well-known examples that align seamlessly with its flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first ability, known as "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar set and grants buffs whenever additional permanents with this type enter the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based subtype which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines also become power when a player owns more of them in play.

A Return of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have shown up sporadically in recent sets, the Ally mechanic has been far less common — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature is heavily featured.

Aang must assemble numerous companions on his journey to restore peace across the world, so there's no better way to show that in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following the initial card announcement, below is previews at an Ally and one Shrine card from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character is a popular minor figure in ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom that resided at the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's expertise in mechanics, he is able to glide through the skies with his glider, even dares Aang to an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his passion of flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders through letting you loot each time you attack using a flying unit, and additionally strengthening your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, it is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore drains one more life whenever another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be an impactful addition, considering its cheap mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A big drawback for Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH is that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be great when paired with another Shrine, which drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time when crossover products have been receiving a lot of criticism from the community, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season is already here, and all cards will be released on Nov. 21.