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MTG players often embrace tribal tactics — what player has not built a goblin strategy once or twice? — while this new ATLA crossover set is reintroducing 2 popular mechanics that align seamlessly with its theme.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The initial mechanic, called "Ally," first introduced with a Zendikar and provides buffs whenever additional creatures with this type come onto the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based subtype which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also gain strength when a player has more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return of Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have appeared here and there in newer releases, Allies subtype has been far less common — until that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must gather many allies on the quest to restore balance across the four nations, and there's no more fitting method to show that through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following the initial card reveal, here is previews at one Allies and a Shrine cards from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

Teo stands as a beloved minor character from ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided at an Air Temple following his village was ruined in a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Because of his father's skill in mechanics, he can fly through the skies with a flying device, and challenges Aang to a flying race.

This card Teo showcases his passion of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders by allowing the player draw and discard each time you attack with a flying creature, while also boosting your creatures via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life total upon coming into play, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card also removes an additional life anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be a powerful card, given its cheap cost plus good ETB ability.

One big drawback of Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH is that these cards are always Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently while crossover products have been receiving a lot of backlash from fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, with all cards will be released November 21st.