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MTG enthusiasts often adopt tribe-based strategies — what player hasn't built a goblin strategy at some point? — and the forthcoming ATLA crossover release is reintroducing 2 beloved examples which fit seamlessly to the setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first ability, called "Allies," first debuted with the Zendikar set and grants buffs each time more creatures with the Ally subtype enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based type which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments also become strength as you owns additional Shrines in play.

A Return of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically across recent sets, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — but that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature gets central.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit many allies during his journey to restore balance to the four nations, and it's no more fitting way to represent that through an Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following the initial set reveal, here is a look of an Ally and one Shrines cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Character

Teo is one cherished supporting figure from ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe that lived at an Air Temple after his home was ruined by a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's expertise in engineering, he is able to glide through the skies with his glider, and challenges the Avatar in a flying contest.

This card Teo reproduces his fondness for the skies and the Earth Tribe's use of gliders by letting the player draw and discard each time you attack with an airborne unit, and additionally pumping your creatures via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, it is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

It also drains an additional life whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

This appears to be an impactful addition, considering the card's cheap mana cost and valuable ETB ability.

A big weakness of Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH are the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired with another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond sets have been receiving significant hate from fans, a beloved series like Avatar could be exactly just what MTG requires.

Preview period has begun, and the full set will be launched November 21st.