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MTG players often embrace tribe-based tactics — who hasn't built an elf strategy once or twice? — and this forthcoming ATLA crossover release is reintroducing 2 well-known mechanics that match perfectly to its setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial ability, known as "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar set which grants boosts each time more creatures with the Ally subtype enter the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents another enchantment type which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, Shrines also become abilities as a player controls more Shrines in play.

The Comeback for the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have been shown up occasionally in newer sets, Allies mechanic has been much rarer — but that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic gets central.

Aang has to assemble a lot of companions during his journey to restore peace to the world, so it's no more fitting method to represent this through a Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following the initial set reveal, below is previews of an Ally and a Shrines card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as one cherished minor figure from ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided at an Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's skill in mechanics, he is able to glide in the air using a flying device, even dares the Avatar to an aerial race.

This card Teo showcases his passion for flying and his tribe's use of flying machines by allowing the player draw and discard each time you attack using a flying creature, while also pumping your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore drains an additional point whenever another Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be a powerful card, given the card's low mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A big weakness of Shrine decks outside of Commander are that these cards are typically Legendary, however this card is great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

At a time while crossover sets have been garnering a lot of backlash by fans, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, with all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.