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MTG enthusiasts often adopt tribe-based decks — what player has not constructed a goblin deck before? — while this upcoming ATLA crossover set is reintroducing 2 popular examples which match seamlessly with its setting.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

One initial ability, named "Allies," first introduced in the Zendikar and provides boosts whenever more permanents with the Ally subtype come onto the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents an enchantment subtype which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines likewise gain strength when a player owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return of the Ally Ability

While Shrines have appeared occasionally in newer releases, Allies subtype has been much rarer — until that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic is heavily featured.

Aang has to gather many companions on his journey to bring back peace across the four nations, so it's no more fitting way to represent this in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Preview

After the first card announcement, here is a look at one Ally plus a Shrines card in the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

This character is one cherished supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe who lived in an Air Temple following his home was ruined by a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's skill with mechanics, Teo is able to soar in the air with his glider, and dares the Avatar in a flying contest.

The card Teo represents his fondness for flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines through letting the player loot each time you attack using an airborne unit, and additionally boosting your team via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding Teo's home, it appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life total when entering play, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

It furthermore drains one more life anytime a Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be a powerful card, considering its low cost and good ETB effect.

One major drawback of Shrine decks in formats besides EDH is that Shrines are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond products are receiving significant hate by fans, a beloved series like Avatar can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.