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MTG enthusiasts frequently adopt tribal strategies — what player has not assembled an elf deck before? — and this new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set brings back two well-known mechanics which fit perfectly with its flavor.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

One initial mechanic, known as "Ally," first debuted with the Zendikar and grants boosts each time additional permanents with this type come onto play.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based subtype that originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise become abilities as a player has additional Shrines in play.

A Comeback of Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have shown up here and there in newer sets, the Ally mechanic has been far less common — but this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must recruit many allies on the journey to bring back balance to the four nations, so it's no better method to show that in an Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After the first card announcement, here is a look of an Allies plus a Shrine cards from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo stands as one popular supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom that lived in an Air Temple following his village was ruined in a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his father's expertise with engineering, he is able to fly in the air using a flying device, and challenges Aang to an aerial race.

The card Teo showcases Teo's fondness for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines through allowing you draw and discard whenever you attack using an airborne creature, while also strengthening your team with counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you have.

The card also removes an additional life anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

It appears to be a strong addition, considering its low mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One major weakness for Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH are that these cards are always Legendary, however this card can be effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently when crossover sets are receiving significant backlash from the community, a beloved series such as Avatar can be exactly what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards set to be launched November 21st.