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MTG players frequently enjoy tribe-based tactics — who hasn't constructed a goblin deck before? — while this new ATLA crossover set is reintroducing two well-known examples which match seamlessly to its setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial ability, named "Allies," was introduced in a Zendikar which gives bonuses each time additional creatures with this subtype enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based type which first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also gain abilities as you has additional of them in play.

A Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have appeared occasionally in newer sets, Allies mechanic was far less common — but this ends with ATLA, where the mechanic gets heavily featured.

Aang has to recruit a lot of allies during the journey to bring back balance to the four nations, so there's no better way to show that through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following the initial set reveal, here is a look at one Allies plus a Shrines card from the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is a beloved minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe who lived at an Air Temple following his village was ruined by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's expertise in mechanics, Teo can glide in the air with a flying device, even challenges the Avatar in an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his passion of flying along with his tribe's use of flying machines by allowing the player draw and discard whenever you attack with a flying unit, and also strengthening your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, it is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you control.

The card furthermore drains one more life whenever another Shrine enters the field.

It looks like an impactful card, considering the card's cheap mana cost plus good ETB ability.

One major weakness for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander is that these cards are always Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond sets are garnering a lot of backlash by the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what MTG requires.

Preview period has begun, with the full set will be released November 21st.