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MTG players frequently embrace tribe-based tactics — who has not assembled a goblin strategy before? — and this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set revives 2 beloved mechanics which fit perfectly to its theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial ability, called "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar set which grants boosts each time additional creatures bearing the Ally subtype come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents another enchantment subtype that first appeared with Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines also become strength when you controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback of Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have been appeared sporadically in recent releases, Allies mechanic was far less common — until that ends in ATLA, in which the feature gets heavily featured.

Aang has to assemble many allies on his journey to bring back peace across the world, and it's no better way to represent that through a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following the first card reveal, below is previews of one Ally plus one Shrines card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Beloved Character

Teo is one cherished minor figure from ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom that resided at an Air Temple after his village was destroyed in a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's expertise with mechanics, Teo can soar through the skies using a flying device, even dares the Avatar to an aerial contest.

The card Teo reproduces his fondness for flying and his tribe's use of gliders through letting you draw and discard each time you attack with an airborne unit, while also strengthening your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, this is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life upon coming into play, based on the number of Shrines you control.

It furthermore removes an additional life whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like an impactful addition, considering its cheap cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One major drawback of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH is that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be great in combination with another Shrine, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time when Universes Beyond products have been receiving a lot of hate from the community, an iconic series like Avatar could be exactly what MTG requires.

Preview period has begun, with the full set set to be launched November 21st.