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MTG fans frequently enjoy tribe-based tactics — who hasn't constructed a goblin strategy at some point? — while the new ATLA crossover release brings back two well-known examples which match seamlessly to its flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial mechanic, called "Ally," first introduced with a Zendikar set which provides buffs whenever more permanents bearing the Ally type enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based subtype that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also become power as you owns more of them in play.

A Comeback of Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been shown up occasionally across recent releases, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — but this changes in ATLA, in which this feature is prominently used.

Aang has to recruit numerous companions on the quest to restore peace across the four nations, and it's no more fitting method to reflect that in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Preview

Following its first set announcement, below are a look of one Ally and one Shrines cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is a beloved minor figure in ATLA, a boy of Earth Kingdom who lived at an Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his father's skill in engineering, he is able to soar in the air using a flying device, even challenges the Avatar to an aerial race.

The card Teo reproduces his love of flying along with his tribe's use of gliders by letting you draw and discard whenever a player attacks using an airborne creature, while also pumping your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life upon entering play, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

The card also removes an additional point anytime a Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be an impactful card, considering its cheap cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

A big drawback of Shrine decks outside of Commander are the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

At a time when crossover products are garnering significant hate by fans, an iconic series such as Avatar can be precisely what MTG requires.

Preview period is already here, and all cards will be released on Nov. 21.