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Magic: The Gathering fans consistently enjoy tribe-based strategies — what player hasn't constructed an elf deck once or twice? — while the new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release revives two well-known mechanics that align seamlessly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first mechanic, called "Ally," first introduced with a Zendikar which gives boosts each time additional creatures with this type enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based subtype that first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise gain power as a player owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have been appeared here and there in recent releases, Allies subtype was far less common — but this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the mechanic is heavily featured.

Aang must gather numerous companions on his quest to bring back peace to the world, and it's no more fitting way to represent this through a Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After the first card reveal, below is a look at an Ally and one Shrine card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character is a popular supporting character in ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe who lived in an Air Temple after his village was ruined by a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's prowess in engineering, he can fly in the air using his glider, even challenges the Avatar to an aerial contest.

The card Teo showcases Teo's passion of the skies and his tribe's use of flying machines through allowing you draw and discard whenever you attack using a flying unit, and also strengthening your team with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, this is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

The card furthermore drains one more point whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like a strong card, considering its low cost plus valuable ETB effect.

A big weakness for Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH is that these cards are always legendary permanents, but this card is great when paired with another Shrine, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently while crossover sets are receiving significant backlash from the community, an iconic franchise like Avatar can be exactly just what MTG requires.

Preview period is already here, and the full set set to be launched November 21st.