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MTG fans consistently adopt tribe-based tactics — what player has not constructed an elf deck before? — while this upcoming ATLA crossover release brings back 2 well-known examples which align seamlessly to its theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One initial mechanic, known as "Ally," first debuted in the Zendikar set which provides bonuses each time additional permanents with the Ally subtype come onto the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based type that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also gain abilities as you has more Shrines in play.

A Comeback of Allies Ability

While Shrine cards have shown up here and there across newer sets, Allies subtype was seldom seen — but this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must recruit numerous allies during the journey to restore peace to the world, so there's no better method to reflect that through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

After the initial set reveal, here is previews of an Allies and a Shrine cards in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is a cherished minor figure from ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom who lived in the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined in a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's prowess in mechanics, he can soar in the air using a flying device, even dares Aang in an aerial contest.

The card Teo showcases his fondness for flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders through letting the player loot whenever you attack using a flying unit, and also pumping your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's home, it appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you have.

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

It looks like a strong card, given its cheap cost plus good ETB effect.

One major drawback for Shrine-based decks outside of Commander is that Shrines are always Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently when crossover sets are receiving significant criticism from the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what MTG requires.

Preview period has begun, with the full set set to be released November 21st.