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MTG players frequently enjoy tribe-based decks — who has not constructed an elf strategy before? — and this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release revives 2 well-known examples that align seamlessly with its flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first mechanic, called "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar set and provides buffs each time more creatures bearing this subtype enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based subtype that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines likewise gain power when a player controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback of the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have been shown up occasionally in newer releases, Allies mechanic was seldom seen — until this changes with ATLA, in which this mechanic gets heavily featured.

Aang must recruit a lot of companions on his journey to restore peace to the world, and there's no better way to show this through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following its first card announcement, below is previews at an Ally and a Shrines card from the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

This character is one beloved supporting character from ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided at an Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's expertise in mechanics, he can glide through the skies with a flying device, even challenges Aang to a flying race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's fondness for the skies and his tribe's use of flying machines by letting the player loot each time a player attacks using a flying unit, while also pumping your team via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding Teo's home, this appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life upon coming into play, based on the number of Shrines you control.

The card also drains an additional point whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like a strong card, considering its cheap cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

One major weakness for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander is the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, but this card is great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond products are garnering a lot of criticism by fans, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set set to be launched November 21st.