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MTG enthusiasts often adopt tribe-based tactics — what player hasn't constructed an elf strategy once or twice? — and this new ATLA crossover release brings back two beloved examples that fit perfectly to its theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first ability, known as "Ally," was debuted with a Zendikar set which grants bonuses whenever additional creatures bearing the Ally subtype come onto play.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based subtype that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become power when you has more of them on the battlefield.

A Return of the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have shown up sporadically in recent sets, the Ally mechanic has been far less common — until that ends with ATLA, where this feature gets central.

The protagonist Aang must gather many allies on the journey to bring back peace to the world, and it's no more fitting method to reflect this through a Magic set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After its first set reveal, below is previews of an Allies and a Shrines cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is one cherished minor figure from ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom that lived at the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a disaster, which left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's expertise in mechanics, he is able to glide in the air with a flying device, and challenges the Avatar to a flying race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his fondness for flying along with the Earth Tribe's use of gliders by allowing the player loot each time you attack using an airborne unit, while additionally boosting your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's home, it appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total upon entering play, based on how many Shrine cards you have.

The card also drains an additional life anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It looks like a powerful addition, considering its cheap cost plus good ETB ability.

A big drawback of Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH is that these cards are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is great when paired with another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond sets have been garnering significant criticism by the community, a beloved series like Avatar could be exactly what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, with the full set set to be released November 21st.