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MTG enthusiasts frequently adopt tribe-based tactics — what player hasn't built an elf strategy before? — and the new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release is reintroducing 2 popular mechanics which match seamlessly to its theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial mechanic, called "Ally," was introduced with the Zendikar and provides bonuses each time additional permanents with the Ally type enter play.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based type which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, these enchantments also become strength as a player controls more Shrines in play.

The Comeback for Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have appeared here and there across newer sets, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — until this changes in ATLA, in which this mechanic gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit many friends during the journey to restore peace to the world, and there's no more fitting method to show this through a Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following the initial set announcement, below are a look at an Ally plus a Shrines card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

Teo is one beloved supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided at the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined in a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's prowess with engineering, Teo can soar through the skies with his glider, and challenges the Avatar to a flying race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's fondness for flying and his tribe's use on flying machines by allowing the player loot each time a player attacks with an airborne creature, and also pumping your creatures with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his home, it is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total when coming into play, depending on how many Shrine cards you control.

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

This appears to be an impactful addition, given the card's low mana cost plus valuable ETB effect.

A big drawback of Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander are the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently when crossover products are receiving significant backlash by fans, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, with all cards will be released November 21st.