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MTG enthusiasts frequently enjoy tribal decks — who hasn't constructed an elf strategy before? — and this new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release is reintroducing two well-known examples which align perfectly with the setting.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One first mechanic, known as "Ally," first debuted with a Zendikar set and gives bonuses whenever more permanents with this subtype come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based subtype that originated in Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain power when you has additional of them in play.

The Return of the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have been appeared sporadically in newer sets, Allies mechanic has been far less common — until that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature gets prominently used.

Aang must assemble a lot of allies during his journey to bring back peace across the world, so there's no better method to reflect this in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

After its initial set reveal, below is a look of one Allies and one Shrine cards in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character is a popular minor figure from ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe that lived at an Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's expertise in engineering, he can fly in the air with a flying device, and dares Aang in a flying contest.

This card Teo reproduces Teo's fondness of flying and the Earth Tribe's use on gliders by letting you loot whenever a player attacks with an airborne unit, while additionally pumping your creatures via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, this is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

The card also removes one more point anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like a powerful card, considering the card's low cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

One big weakness of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, but this card can be effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time when crossover products are garnering a lot of hate from the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what MTG needs.

Preview period is already here, and all cards will be released on Nov. 21.