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Magic: The Gathering players consistently adopt tribe-based tactics — who has not assembled a zombie deck at some point? — while this forthcoming ATLA crossover release revives two popular examples that match seamlessly to its flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first mechanic, named "Allies," was introduced in the Zendikar set and grants bonuses whenever more creatures bearing this type come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based type that originated with Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise become abilities when a player controls additional of them on the battlefield.

A Return of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have shown up here and there across newer releases, the Ally mechanic was much rarer — but this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must recruit numerous friends during his journey to restore peace to the world, so it's no better method to reflect this in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following the first set announcement, here are previews of an Allies and a Shrines cards in the new ATLA set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character is a popular minor figure in ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe who lived in the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his father's prowess in engineering, he is able to glide through the skies using his glider, even dares Aang in an aerial contest.

This card Teo showcases Teo's love of flying and his tribe's reliance of gliders through allowing the player loot each time a player attacks with a flying creature, and also boosting your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's home, it appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you control.

It also removes an additional point anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This looks like a powerful card, considering its low cost and valuable ETB ability.

A major drawback for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH are that these cards are always Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be great when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond products have been garnering a lot of backlash by the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season is already here, and all cards set to be launched on Nov. 21.