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Magic: The Gathering fans consistently adopt tribal decks — who has not built a zombie strategy at some point? — while this upcoming ATLA crossover set brings back 2 beloved mechanics that match perfectly to its setting.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

One initial ability, known as "Ally," was introduced in the Zendikar which gives bonuses each time more creatures with the Ally subtype come onto the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based type that first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also gain abilities when a player has additional Shrines in play.

A Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have appeared sporadically across recent sets, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — but this ends in ATLA, where the mechanic gets central.

Aang must assemble many friends on the quest to restore peace to the world, so it's no better method to reflect this in a Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following its first set announcement, below is a look at an Ally and a Shrine card in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

Teo is a popular minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of Earth Kingdom who resided in the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed in a flood, which left him paraplegic.

Due to his father's skill with engineering, Teo can glide through the skies with a flying device, even dares the Avatar to a flying contest.

The card Teo showcases his love for the skies and the Earth Tribe's use on gliders by allowing you draw and discard whenever you attack using a flying unit, and also boosting your team with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's home, it appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you control.

It furthermore removes an additional life anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

This appears to be a powerful addition, considering its cheap cost plus valuable ETB ability.

One big weakness for Shrine decks in formats besides Commander are that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but this card can be effective when paired with another Shrine, that drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond sets are garnering significant backlash from the community, an iconic franchise like Avatar can be precisely what MTG needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set will be launched November 21st.