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MTG fans frequently embrace tribal strategies — who hasn't constructed a zombie deck before? — while this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set is reintroducing two beloved examples that fit perfectly with its setting.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

One first ability, known as "Allies," first debuted with the Zendikar which gives bonuses each time more permanents bearing the Ally type enter the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is another enchantment subtype which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also gain abilities when you owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback for Allies Ability

While Shrine cards have appeared occasionally across recent sets, the Ally mechanic has been seldom seen — but that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the mechanic is central.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit numerous companions during his quest to restore peace to the world, and it's no more fitting method to reflect this in an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After its first card announcement, below is previews of an Ally and a Shrines card from the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

Teo is a popular minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom that resided at the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined in a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's prowess in engineering, he is able to soar through the skies with a flying device, even challenges Aang in a flying race.

This card Teo represents his passion for flying and his tribe's reliance on gliders through letting you loot whenever a player attacks with an airborne unit, while also strengthening your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total when entering play, based on the number of Shrines you control.

The card furthermore drains an additional life whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

This appears to be a powerful card, given its cheap cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

A big weakness of Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander is that Shrines are always Legendary, however this card is effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond sets are receiving significant hate from the community, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

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