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MTG players often embrace tribal tactics — what player hasn't constructed a goblin deck before? — while the forthcoming ATLA crossover release revives 2 popular mechanics that match seamlessly to the theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first mechanic, known as "Allies," first debuted in a Zendikar set and gives bonuses each time more permanents bearing the Ally subtype come onto play.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents another enchantment type which originated with Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also become strength as a player has more of them in play.

A Comeback for the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have shown up here and there across newer sets, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit many friends on his quest to bring back peace to the world, so there's no more fitting way to show this in an Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following the initial set announcement, below are previews at an Allies and a Shrines cards in the new ATLA release.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

Teo is one popular minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided at the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's skill in engineering, Teo is able to glide in the air using his glider, and challenges Aang in an aerial contest.

The card Teo represents his love for flying along with his tribe's reliance on flying machines through allowing you draw and discard whenever a player attacks with an airborne creature, while also boosting your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, this is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

It furthermore removes one more point whenever another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like a powerful card, considering its cheap mana cost plus good ETB effect.

One big weakness for Shrine-based decks outside of Commander is the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently while crossover sets have been receiving a lot of criticism from the community, a beloved series like Avatar could be exactly what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards will be launched November 21st.