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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts consistently enjoy tribe-based strategies — who hasn't assembled a goblin strategy before? — while this forthcoming ATLA crossover release revives 2 popular examples which align seamlessly to the theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One first mechanic, named "Allies," was introduced with a Zendikar set and gives boosts whenever more creatures bearing this type come onto play.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based subtype which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise gain power as a player has more Shrines in play.

A Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have been shown up occasionally across newer releases, Allies subtype has been much rarer — but that changes in ATLA, in which this feature is central.

The protagonist Aang must assemble a lot of friends on his journey to bring back peace across the world, so there's no more fitting way to show that through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Showcase

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

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is one popular minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe who lived at the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed in a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's skill in mechanics, Teo is able to glide through the skies using his glider, and challenges Aang to an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his passion for the skies and the Earth Tribe's use on gliders by allowing the player loot whenever a player attacks using a flying creature, while also pumping your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's home, this is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you control.

The card also removes one more life anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like a strong card, given the card's low cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

One major drawback of Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH is the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

At a time when Universes Beyond products have been garnering significant criticism from fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar could be exactly just what MTG requires.

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