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Magic: The Gathering fans frequently adopt tribe-based tactics — what player hasn't assembled a goblin strategy at some point? — and this upcoming ATLA crossover set revives 2 popular examples that fit perfectly with the theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first mechanic, called "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar set and provides buffs whenever additional permanents with this subtype come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based type that first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments also gain power as you has more Shrines in play.

The Return of Allies Mechanic

Although Shrines have been shown up here and there across recent releases, the Ally mechanic has been seldom seen — but this changes in ATLA, in which the mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to gather numerous companions during the quest to restore balance across the four nations, so it's no more fitting way to represent this through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following its initial set reveal, here are previews of an Ally and a Shrines cards from the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Character

This character stands as one cherished supporting character in ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom that lived at the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's prowess with engineering, he is able to fly in the air with his glider, and dares the Avatar to a flying race.

This card Teo represents Teo's love of flying along with his tribe's reliance on flying machines by letting the player draw and discard each time you attack with an airborne unit, and additionally strengthening your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, this is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life upon entering play, depending on the number of Shrines you have.

It furthermore drains an additional point whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This looks like an impactful addition, considering the card's low cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

A big weakness for Shrine decks in formats besides EDH is that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Timely Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond products have been receiving significant backlash from the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards will be released November 21st.