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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often adopt tribe-based tactics — who hasn't constructed a zombie deck before? — while this new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release is reintroducing 2 popular examples that fit seamlessly with the flavor.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The initial ability, called "Ally," was introduced in the Zendikar set which provides bonuses whenever additional creatures bearing this subtype enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based type which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise become abilities when a player controls additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have been shown up sporadically in recent releases, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — until this changes with ATLA, in which the feature is prominently used.

Aang must assemble many companions during the quest to bring back balance across the four nations, and it's no better way to reflect that in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Showcase

After the first card reveal, below is a look at one Ally plus one Shrine card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

Teo is a popular supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of Earth Kingdom that lived at the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's expertise with engineering, he can soar in the air with a flying device, and challenges the Avatar in a flying contest.

This card Teo represents Teo's love of flying along with the Earth Tribe's use on flying machines by letting the player draw and discard each time a player attacks with a flying creature, while additionally boosting your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, this appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

It furthermore removes one more point whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

This appears to be an impactful addition, considering its cheap mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

A big weakness of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander are that Shrines are typically Legendary, however this card is great in combination alongside another Shrine, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time when crossover products are receiving significant criticism by the community, an iconic franchise like Avatar can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

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