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Magic: The Gathering fans consistently adopt tribe-based decks — what player hasn't constructed a zombie deck before? — and the forthcoming ATLA crossover set is reintroducing two popular mechanics that fit perfectly to the theme.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

One initial ability, called "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar and provides bonuses each time additional permanents with this subtype come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based subtype that first appeared in Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines also gain abilities as a player has more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback of Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have shown up sporadically across recent sets, Allies subtype was seldom seen — until this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature is central.

Aang has to gather numerous companions during the journey to bring back peace to the four nations, and it's no more fitting method to represent this in a Magic set.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following the first set reveal, here are previews of one Ally plus one Shrines cards in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as one popular minor character in ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom who lived at an Air Temple following his village was ruined in a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's expertise in engineering, he can soar in the air using his glider, even challenges Aang to a flying race.

This card Teo reproduces his passion of flying and his tribe's use on flying machines by letting you draw and discard each time you attack with a flying creature, while additionally pumping your team via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's home, this appears as the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore drains an additional point whenever another Shrine enters the field.

This looks like a powerful card, given the card's low cost plus valuable ETB ability.

A big weakness for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH are the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is effective in combination with another Shrine, which drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond products are receiving a lot of hate from the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, and all cards set to be released November 21st.