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Magic: The Gathering players consistently embrace tribal strategies — who has not constructed a zombie deck before? — while this new ATLA crossover release brings back two beloved mechanics which match seamlessly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One first mechanic, named "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar and grants buffs each time additional creatures bearing this type enter play.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents another enchantment subtype which originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise gain power when a player owns more of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback of the Ally Ability

While Shrines have shown up here and there in newer releases, Allies mechanic was seldom seen — until this changes in ATLA, where the mechanic gets prominently used.

Aang must assemble numerous companions on the journey to restore peace to the world, so it's no better way to reflect that in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Showcase

After its first card reveal, here is a look of one Ally and one Shrine cards in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as one cherished minor figure in ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom that lived at an Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's prowess with engineering, he can soar in the air using his glider, even challenges Aang to an aerial race.

This card Teo reproduces Teo's fondness for flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders by letting the player loot whenever you attack using an airborne unit, while additionally pumping your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, this is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card furthermore removes an additional life anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like an impactful card, considering the card's cheap mana cost plus good ETB effect.

A big weakness of Shrine-based decks outside of Commander is that these cards are typically Legendary, however this card is effective in combination alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond products are garnering a lot of criticism by the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with all cards set to be launched November 21st.