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MTG fans consistently enjoy tribal strategies — who hasn't constructed an elf deck once or twice? — and the new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set brings back 2 well-known mechanics which fit perfectly with its flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first mechanic, known as "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar which gives buffs each time additional permanents with the Ally type enter the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is an enchantment type which first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines also become strength when you controls more of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback of the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have appeared occasionally in newer releases, the Ally mechanic has been much rarer — until that changes with ATLA, where this mechanic is heavily featured.

Aang must recruit many allies during the quest to bring back peace across the four nations, so there's no more fitting method to represent this through a Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

After its initial set announcement, below is a look of an Allies plus a Shrines cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

Teo stands as one popular supporting figure from ATLA, a boy of Earth Kingdom who lived at the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's skill with mechanics, Teo is able to fly through the skies using his glider, even challenges Aang to an aerial contest.

The card Teo showcases his love for flying along with his tribe's reliance of gliders through allowing the player loot whenever you attack with a flying creature, and also strengthening your team with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total upon coming into play, depending on how many of Shrines you control.

It furthermore removes one more life whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

It appears to be an impactful card, given its cheap cost plus valuable ETB ability.

One major drawback of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH is the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but this card can be effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond products are receiving significant hate from the community, a beloved series like Avatar could be exactly what MTG requires.

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