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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts consistently enjoy tribe-based decks — who hasn't built an elf deck at some point? — while the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set is reintroducing 2 well-known mechanics that fit seamlessly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial ability, known as "Ally," first introduced in a Zendikar set which provides bonuses whenever additional creatures with the Ally type come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is another enchantment type which originated in Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also become power when you controls more of them in play.

A Comeback of Allies Ability

While Shrines have shown up occasionally across newer sets, Allies subtype has been far less common — but that ends in ATLA, in which this mechanic is central.

The protagonist Aang must assemble many companions during his journey to restore balance across the world, so there's no better way to show this in a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

After its initial card announcement, here is previews at an Allies plus a Shrine cards from the new ATLA release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo stands as one cherished minor figure from ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom that resided at the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined by a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's prowess in mechanics, he can soar in the air using a flying device, and dares the Avatar to a flying contest.

The card Teo reproduces his love of flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders through allowing the player draw and discard each time a player attacks using a flying unit, and also pumping your creatures with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his home, this is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you control.

The card also removes an additional life anytime another Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be a strong card, given the card's cheap cost and good ETB ability.

One big drawback of Shrine-based strategies outside of Commander are the fact that these cards are always Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Timely Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond products have been garnering significant backlash from fans, a beloved series such as Avatar can be precisely just what MTG needs.

Preview period is already here, with the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.