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MTG enthusiasts often enjoy tribe-based decks — who has not built an elf deck once or twice? — while the upcoming ATLA crossover release is reintroducing two well-known mechanics which match seamlessly to the setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial ability, known as "Allies," was debuted with the Zendikar set and gives buffs each time more creatures with this type enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents another enchantment type which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also gain strength when a player has more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback of the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have been appeared here and there across recent releases, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — until that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic gets heavily featured.

Aang must gather numerous friends during the quest to bring back peace to the world, and there's no better method to represent that through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

After its initial set reveal, below are previews of one Allies plus one Shrine cards from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is a cherished minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe that resided at an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Due to his father's expertise with mechanics, he is able to fly through the skies using his glider, and challenges the Avatar in an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his passion of flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines through allowing the player loot each time a player attacks with a flying creature, and also boosting your creatures via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's home, this appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

It furthermore drains one more point anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like a powerful card, considering its cheap cost and good ETB ability.

A major drawback of Shrine strategies outside of EDH are the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, but this card is great in combination with another Shrine, that drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

At a time while crossover products are receiving a lot of criticism by fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, and the full set set to be launched November 21st.