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MTG enthusiasts frequently embrace tribe-based strategies — who has not constructed a zombie deck before? — and this upcoming ATLA crossover release revives 2 popular mechanics which fit seamlessly with its theme.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One first mechanic, named "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar set which provides boosts each time more creatures with this subtype come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based subtype which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines likewise gain abilities when you owns more Shrines in play.

The Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically across newer releases, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — until this ends in ATLA, in which this feature gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to gather a lot of friends on his quest to restore balance to the four nations, and there's no more fitting way to reflect this through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following its initial set reveal, below are a look at one Ally plus one Shrines card in the new ATLA release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is one beloved minor character from ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe that lived in the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's prowess in engineering, Teo is able to fly through the skies with his glider, even challenges Aang in a flying race.

The card Teo represents his love for the skies and his tribe's reliance of gliders through allowing you loot whenever you attack using an airborne creature, while additionally boosting your creatures with counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Regarding his home, it appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total when coming into play, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

The card also removes one more point whenever another Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be a strong addition, considering its cheap cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

One big drawback of Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander are the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, but this card is great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond products are garnering significant criticism from fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar can be precisely what MTG requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards will be released on Nov. 21.