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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts consistently embrace tribe-based decks — what player hasn't assembled a zombie strategy at some point? — and the new ATLA crossover set revives two well-known mechanics which align perfectly with its theme.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The first ability, called "Allies," first introduced with the Zendikar set and provides bonuses each time more permanents bearing the Ally subtype enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is another enchantment subtype that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, these enchantments also gain abilities when you controls more Shrines in play.

The Return for Allies Ability

While Shrines have appeared here and there in newer sets, the Ally mechanic was far less common — until this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic is central.

Aang must gather numerous companions on his quest to restore peace to the four nations, and there's no more fitting method to reflect this in an Magic set.

Revealed Card Preview

Following the initial set reveal, below are a look at one Ally and one Shrine card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is a beloved minor figure in ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom who lived at the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's expertise in mechanics, he can fly through the skies using his glider, and challenges the Avatar to a flying race.

This card Teo represents Teo's fondness of flying along with his tribe's use of gliders by allowing you draw and discard whenever you attack with a flying unit, and additionally strengthening your creatures via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it appears as the card Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life when entering the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card also drains one more life anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like an impactful card, considering its low cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A major drawback for Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is great in combination with another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond products are receiving significant hate from the community, an iconic series such as Avatar can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.

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