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MTG fans often embrace tribe-based decks — who has not assembled a goblin strategy once or twice? — while the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set brings back two well-known mechanics which match seamlessly to its flavor.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The first ability, named "Ally," first debuted in a Zendikar and provides boosts each time more permanents bearing this type enter the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents another enchantment type that originated in Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also gain abilities as a player controls additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return for the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have been shown up sporadically across newer releases, Allies subtype was seldom seen — until that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble numerous allies on his journey to restore balance across the four nations, and there's no more fitting method to reflect that in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Preview

After the first set reveal, below are a look at an Allies plus a Shrine cards from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo: A Beloved Figure

This character is one popular supporting figure from ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe that lived at the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined in a disaster, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's prowess with mechanics, Teo is able to glide in the air using a flying device, even dares Aang to an aerial race.

The card Teo represents Teo's love of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through allowing you draw and discard whenever you attack with an airborne unit, while additionally strengthening your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, this appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total upon entering play, depending on how many Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore drains one more point anytime a Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be a strong addition, considering its cheap mana cost and valuable ETB effect.

One big drawback for Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH are the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but this card can be effective when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond products are garnering a lot of hate from the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards set to be released on Nov. 21.