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MTG players frequently adopt tribe-based strategies — who has not assembled a goblin strategy at some point? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set revives 2 beloved examples that match perfectly to the setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial mechanic, called "Ally," was introduced in a Zendikar which grants boosts each time more creatures with the Ally subtype enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is another enchantment type which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become abilities as a player controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return for the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally in newer releases, the Ally mechanic has been much rarer — until that ends in ATLA, where this mechanic gets central.

The protagonist Aang must assemble many friends during the journey to restore peace to the world, and it's no better method to show this through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following its initial card reveal, below is previews of an Allies and one Shrines cards in the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as a popular minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe that resided in the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined by a disaster, which left him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's expertise with mechanics, Teo is able to fly in the air with his glider, and dares Aang in an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's fondness for flying and the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through letting the player draw and discard whenever you attack using a flying unit, and also strengthening your creatures via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, it appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore removes one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like a strong card, considering its cheap mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One major drawback of Shrine-based decks outside of Commander is the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is great in combination with another Shrine, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond products are garnering a lot of backlash by the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar can be precisely just what MTG requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.