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MTG fans consistently embrace tribe-based strategies — what player has not assembled an elf deck at some point? — and the forthcoming ATLA crossover release is reintroducing 2 well-known examples that align seamlessly to its theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial ability, named "Ally," first introduced with a Zendikar set and provides bonuses each time more permanents with the Ally type enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment type which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise become abilities when a player owns additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback of the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically in recent releases, Allies mechanic has been much rarer — but this changes with ATLA, in which the mechanic is prominently used.

Aang has to assemble a lot of friends on his quest to bring back balance across the four nations, and it's no more fitting way to reflect this in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Showcase

After the initial set reveal, here are a look of an Allies plus one Shrines cards from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is one cherished minor figure from ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe who lived in an Air Temple following his home was ruined by a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's prowess in engineering, Teo can soar in the air with a flying device, even challenges Aang to an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his fondness of flying along with his tribe's use of gliders through letting you loot each time a player attacks with an airborne unit, while additionally boosting your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life when entering play, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

It also drains one more point whenever a Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be an impactful card, considering the card's cheap cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

One big drawback of Shrine strategies outside of EDH are the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time when crossover products are receiving a lot of hate from the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, and the full set will be launched November 21st.