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MTG enthusiasts often embrace tribe-based tactics — who hasn't assembled an elf deck at some point? — and the forthcoming ATLA crossover release brings back two popular examples that match seamlessly to the setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial mechanic, called "Allies," first introduced with the Zendikar which gives boosts whenever more permanents with the Ally subtype come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents an enchantment subtype which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become strength when you controls additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally across newer sets, the Ally subtype has been much rarer — until this ends with ATLA, in which this feature gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit many friends on the journey to restore peace to the four nations, so there's no more fitting way to represent that in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Preview

After the initial card reveal, here is previews of an Ally plus a Shrine card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

This character stands as a cherished supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe that lived in an Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's skill in engineering, Teo can glide in the air with his glider, even dares the Avatar in an aerial contest.

The card Teo showcases his passion of the skies and his tribe's reliance on gliders through allowing the player loot whenever you attack with an airborne creature, while also boosting your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

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

This appears to be a powerful card, given its low mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One big weakness of Shrine-based decks outside of Commander is the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however this card is great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond sets are receiving a lot of backlash from fans, an iconic series such as Avatar can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards set to be launched November 21st.