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Magic: The Gathering players frequently embrace tribal tactics — who has not built a goblin strategy before? — and the forthcoming ATLA crossover release revives two beloved mechanics that fit seamlessly to its setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first mechanic, named "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar which grants bonuses each time more permanents bearing the Ally subtype enter the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based subtype which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, these enchantments also become strength as a player has additional Shrines in play.

A Comeback of the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have appeared sporadically in recent releases, Allies subtype was seldom seen — until that changes in ATLA, in which the mechanic is heavily featured.

Aang has to gather numerous companions during his journey to bring back balance across the world, and it's no better way to represent this in an Magic set.

Revealed Cards Preview

After the initial set announcement, below is a look of one Allies plus one Shrine cards in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Character

Teo is a beloved minor character in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe who lived in the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's skill in mechanics, he can glide through the skies with a flying device, even challenges the Avatar in an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his fondness for the skies and his tribe's use on flying machines by allowing the player draw and discard whenever a player attacks using a flying creature, and additionally boosting your creatures via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Regarding his home, it is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card furthermore removes an additional point whenever a Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be a strong card, considering the card's cheap mana cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

One big weakness for Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander is the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond products are garnering significant criticism by fans, an iconic series such as Avatar can be exactly just what MTG needs.

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