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MTG players frequently enjoy tribal tactics — who has not constructed an elf deck at some point? — and this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set revives two beloved examples that fit seamlessly with the flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial ability, called "Allies," first introduced with the Zendikar which provides boosts each time more permanents with this type come onto the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based type that first appeared with Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also become strength when a player controls additional of them in play.

The Comeback for Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have been appeared here and there across recent releases, the Ally mechanic was seldom seen — until this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must recruit a lot of friends during his journey to restore balance to the world, and there's no more fitting way to show this in an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

After its first set reveal, below is previews of an Ally plus one Shrines cards in the new ATLA release.

Teo: A Beloved Figure

This character is a cherished minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of Earth Kingdom that lived at the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined in a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

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

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his love for flying and the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through allowing you draw and discard whenever a player attacks with a flying unit, while also boosting your creatures via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore drains one more point whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be a strong card, considering the card's low mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

One major drawback of Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH are that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however this card can be great when paired alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Timely Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond products are receiving a lot of hate by the community, an iconic franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

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