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Magic: The Gathering players often adopt tribe-based tactics — who hasn't constructed a zombie deck before? — and this upcoming ATLA crossover release is reintroducing two popular mechanics which align seamlessly with its theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial ability, known as "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar set which provides bonuses each time additional creatures bearing the Ally subtype come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based type that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain strength as you owns additional of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback of Allies Mechanic

Although Shrines have appeared occasionally in newer sets, Allies subtype was much rarer — until that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the mechanic gets prominently used.

Aang has to assemble numerous companions during his journey to restore peace across the four nations, and there's no more fitting method to show this through an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following the initial set announcement, below is a look at an Allies plus a Shrines cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo stands as one popular supporting character in ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom who resided at an Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his father's prowess with engineering, he is able to fly in the air using a flying device, and challenges the Avatar in an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his fondness of the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines by letting you loot whenever you attack with an airborne unit, while also boosting your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life when entering play, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore drains one more life anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It looks like a powerful card, considering its low cost plus valuable ETB effect.

A big drawback of Shrine-based decks outside of EDH are that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is great in combination with another Shrine, that drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently when crossover sets have been garnering significant backlash by fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar can be precisely what MTG needs.

Preview period is already here, with the full set set to be launched November 21st.