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MTG players often adopt tribe-based strategies — who hasn't constructed a goblin strategy once or twice? — while the new ATLA crossover release is reintroducing two beloved examples which align perfectly to its flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first mechanic, named "Ally," first introduced in a Zendikar which provides boosts each time additional creatures bearing the Ally type come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is another enchantment type which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise become abilities as a player controls more of them in play.

A Return of Allies Mechanic

Although Shrines have been appeared occasionally across newer sets, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — until this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic gets central.

The protagonist Aang must gather many companions during the quest to restore peace across the world, and it's no more fitting way to represent this in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following the first card announcement, here is previews of one Allies and a Shrines cards in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is a cherished supporting character in ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom that resided in an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's expertise with mechanics, Teo can fly through the skies using his glider, and challenges Aang to an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his passion of the skies and the Earth Tribe's use on gliders through allowing the player loot whenever you attack using an airborne unit, and also boosting your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore drains one more life anytime a Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be a strong addition, considering the card's cheap mana cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

A major weakness for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH are the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond products are garnering significant hate by the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season is already here, and the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.