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Magic: The Gathering fans frequently adopt tribe-based tactics — what player hasn't built a goblin deck at some point? — while this upcoming ATLA crossover set brings back 2 well-known mechanics which match perfectly to the setting.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The first ability, named "Allies," first debuted with a Zendikar set and grants buffs whenever additional permanents bearing the Ally type come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based type that originated in Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also gain strength when a player owns additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have been shown up sporadically in recent releases, the Ally subtype was much rarer — until this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must assemble many allies on the quest to bring back peace to the world, so there's no better method to represent that in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following the first card reveal, below is previews of an Allies plus one Shrines cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is a beloved minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe that resided in the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's expertise with engineering, he can glide in the air with a flying device, even dares Aang to an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's fondness of the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders by letting the player loot whenever you attack using an airborne creature, while also pumping your team with counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding his home, this is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total upon coming into play, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card also removes one more point whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like a strong card, given its cheap cost and good ETB ability.

A major weakness for Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander is that Shrines are typically Legendary, but this card is effective when paired alongside another Shrine, which drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

At a time when Universes Beyond sets have been garnering significant hate by fans, an iconic series like Avatar could be exactly just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, and the full set will be released on Nov. 21.