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Magic: The Gathering players consistently embrace tribal decks — who hasn't assembled an elf strategy at some point? — and this new ATLA crossover release revives 2 beloved examples that fit perfectly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

The initial ability, known as "Allies," first debuted with a Zendikar which grants boosts whenever more permanents bearing this subtype enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based type that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, these enchantments also gain abilities as a player owns more of them in play.

A Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have appeared here and there across recent releases, Allies subtype was much rarer — but this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic is central.

The protagonist Aang must recruit numerous friends during the quest to restore balance across the four nations, and there's no more fitting method to show that through a Magic set.

Revealed Cards Preview

After the initial card reveal, here is a look at one Ally plus a Shrine card in the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is a cherished minor figure in ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom who lived at the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined in a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's expertise with engineering, he can soar through the skies using a flying device, even dares the Avatar in an aerial race.

This card Teo represents Teo's love for flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines by letting you draw and discard whenever a player attacks using an airborne creature, while additionally strengthening your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, it appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card also drains one more life anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be a powerful addition, considering its cheap mana cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

One big drawback for Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander is the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but this card can be great when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond sets have been receiving significant hate by fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar could be exactly what MTG requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards will be released November 21st.