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MTG players often embrace tribal strategies — what player hasn't built an elf deck before? — while this forthcoming ATLA crossover release revives 2 beloved mechanics that fit perfectly with the theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first mechanic, called "Allies," first debuted in the Zendikar and grants buffs whenever additional creatures with the Ally subtype enter the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based subtype which originated in Kamigawa. While not a creature tribe, Shrines likewise become strength as a player owns more Shrines in play.

A Return of Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been shown up sporadically across recent releases, Allies mechanic was far less common — until that changes with ATLA, where this feature is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must recruit a lot of allies during the journey to bring back balance across the world, so it's no better method to reflect this in an Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

After its initial set announcement, below are previews at an Ally plus a Shrines cards from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is one beloved supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom that lived in the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a disaster, which left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's expertise with mechanics, Teo is able to fly through the skies using his glider, even challenges Aang to a flying race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his love for the skies and the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through allowing you draw and discard whenever you attack with a flying unit, while additionally pumping your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

The card also drains an additional life whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This looks like a powerful addition, given its cheap mana cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

One big drawback for Shrine-based strategies outside of Commander are the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however this card is great when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond products have been receiving a lot of backlash from the community, a beloved series like Avatar can be exactly just what MTG requires.

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