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Magic: The Gathering fans consistently enjoy tribe-based decks — who hasn't built an elf deck before? — while this new ATLA crossover set is reintroducing 2 beloved examples which fit seamlessly to its flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

The initial mechanic, named "Ally," was debuted with a Zendikar and grants buffs each time additional permanents bearing the Ally type enter the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is an enchantment subtype which originated in Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also become strength as a player controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback for Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have been shown up sporadically in recent sets, Allies mechanic has been seldom seen — until this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the mechanic gets central.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble numerous companions during his journey to restore peace to the world, so it's no more fitting method to represent that in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Showcase

After the first set announcement, here are previews of one Ally and one Shrines cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Beloved Character

Teo stands as a cherished supporting character from ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe who lived in an Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a disaster, which left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's expertise with mechanics, he is able to fly through the skies using a flying device, even dares Aang in a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his love of flying along with his tribe's use of flying machines through allowing the player draw and discard whenever you attack with a flying unit, while additionally strengthening your creatures with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, this is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life upon entering play, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore removes one more point whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

It appears to be an impactful addition, given its cheap cost and good ETB effect.

One major weakness of Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, however this card can be effective in combination with another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond products are garnering a lot of hate by the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what MTG requires.

Preview period has begun, and the full set will be released November 21st.