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MTG players often adopt tribal strategies — what player hasn't assembled a goblin deck before? — while the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set brings back two popular examples that fit seamlessly with the setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first ability, called "Allies," first introduced in the Zendikar and provides bonuses each time additional permanents with this subtype enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based subtype that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also become strength when a player has additional of them in play.

A Return of Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically across recent releases, the Ally mechanic was far less common — but this changes in ATLA, where this feature is central.

Aang must recruit numerous friends on his quest to restore peace across the world, so there's no more fitting way to show that in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

Following the initial card announcement, below is previews of an Allies and one Shrine card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

This character is a cherished minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided in the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined in a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's expertise in mechanics, he is able to soar in the air with his glider, and challenges the Avatar in an aerial race.

The card Teo showcases his fondness of flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders by letting you draw and discard each time a player attacks using a flying unit, and additionally boosting your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's home, it is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total when coming into play, depending on how many Shrine cards you control.

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

It looks like a strong card, given the card's low cost plus valuable ETB effect.

One big drawback for Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander are that Shrines are typically Legendary, but this card is great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

Currently when crossover sets have been receiving significant criticism by fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what MTG needs.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards will be released November 21st.