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MTG players consistently embrace tribe-based decks — who hasn't constructed an elf strategy before? — while this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release brings back 2 beloved mechanics that match perfectly with the theme.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The initial mechanic, called "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar set which grants buffs each time more permanents with the Ally type enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is an enchantment subtype that originated in Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain power as a player controls more of them in play.

The Return for Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have shown up occasionally in newer releases, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — but that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature gets heavily featured.

Aang must assemble many allies during his quest to restore balance across the world, and it's no more fitting method to represent this in a Magic set.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following the first card reveal, here is a look at an Allies plus one Shrines card in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo: A Beloved Figure

Teo is a popular supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe that resided at an Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a disaster, which left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's skill with engineering, Teo is able to fly through the skies using a flying device, and dares Aang to an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's passion for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines through letting you draw and discard whenever you attack with an airborne unit, and also pumping your team via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this appears as the card Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total upon entering play, based on how many of Shrines you have.

It furthermore drains an additional life whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be an impactful addition, given its low mana cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

One major weakness for Shrine-based strategies outside of Commander are that these cards are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is great when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

At a time when crossover products are garnering a lot of hate from the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, and all cards set to be released on Nov. 21.