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MTG players often enjoy tribe-based strategies — what player has not assembled a goblin deck once or twice? — and the new ATLA crossover set is reintroducing two well-known examples that fit perfectly with the flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first mechanic, named "Ally," was introduced in the Zendikar set which provides bonuses each time additional permanents with the Ally subtype enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based type which originated with Kamigawa. While not a creature tribe, Shrines also gain abilities when you controls additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have been shown up sporadically across recent releases, Allies mechanic has been far less common — but that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must recruit numerous friends during the quest to bring back balance across the world, and it's no better method to represent this through a Magic set.

Exclusive Card Showcase

After the first card announcement, below is previews at an Ally and one Shrine cards from the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

This character is a beloved supporting figure from ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom that resided at the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined by a disaster, which left him unable to walk.

Because of his father's expertise with engineering, Teo can soar in the air with a flying device, and dares the Avatar to an aerial race.

This card Teo showcases his fondness for flying along with the Earth Tribe's use of flying machines through allowing the player draw and discard each time you attack using a flying creature, while additionally strengthening your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, depending on how many Shrine cards you control.

The card also removes an additional life whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be a powerful card, considering its low mana cost plus good ETB effect.

One major drawback for Shrine-based decks outside of EDH are the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, however this card is effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

Currently when crossover products are receiving significant criticism by the community, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.