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MTG players often embrace tribe-based strategies — who has not built a goblin strategy before? — while the new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set is reintroducing two well-known mechanics which fit seamlessly to its flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One initial ability, called "Ally," first introduced in a Zendikar which provides boosts whenever more creatures bearing this subtype come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is another enchantment type which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise gain abilities as a player has additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback of the Ally Ability

While Shrines have appeared occasionally across recent sets, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — but this ends with ATLA, in which this feature gets central.

Aang must gather many friends during his quest to bring back balance to the world, and there's no better way to represent that through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

After its first set reveal, below is a look of an Ally and a Shrines card from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as a cherished supporting figure in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe that lived at the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined in a flood, which left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's expertise with engineering, he can fly through the skies with a flying device, and dares the Avatar in an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his passion for flying along with his tribe's use on gliders by allowing the player draw and discard whenever a player attacks with a flying unit, and additionally boosting your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding his home, it appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total upon entering play, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

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

It appears to be a powerful addition, considering the card's cheap mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A big drawback for Shrine strategies outside of Commander is that these cards are always Legendary, however this card can be effective in combination with another Shrine, that drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Timely Crossover

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

Preview period has begun, and all cards set to be released on Nov. 21.