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MTG players often adopt tribal tactics — what player hasn't constructed a goblin deck before? — while this upcoming ATLA crossover release revives 2 popular examples which fit perfectly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The first mechanic, known as "Allies," was debuted with a Zendikar set which provides bonuses whenever additional creatures with the Ally subtype enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based type that first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise become abilities when a player owns more of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback for the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have been shown up sporadically across recent releases, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — but that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit many allies on his quest to restore balance across the four nations, and it's no more fitting method to reflect that through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following its first card reveal, below is a look at one Allies plus one Shrines cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Character

This character is one cherished minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided at the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined in a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his father's expertise in engineering, he is able to soar through the skies with his glider, even dares the Avatar in an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his fondness for flying and the Earth Tribe's use of gliders by letting you draw and discard each time a player attacks using an airborne creature, while additionally boosting your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, it appears in the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

It furthermore removes one more life whenever another Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be a powerful card, considering the card's cheap cost and valuable enter the battlefield ability.

A major weakness for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander is the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however this card can be great in combination with another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently when crossover sets have been receiving a lot of hate by the community, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely what MTG requires.

Preview period is already here, with all cards will be launched November 21st.