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Magic: The Gathering fans consistently adopt tribal tactics — what player hasn't assembled a goblin strategy once or twice? — and the new ATLA crossover release brings back two beloved mechanics which align perfectly to the flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial ability, named "Allies," first debuted in the Zendikar and gives boosts each time additional permanents bearing this subtype come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is an enchantment subtype which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines also become abilities as you controls more of them in play.

The Comeback of Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have shown up occasionally in newer sets, Allies subtype has been far less common — until this changes in ATLA, where this mechanic gets central.

Aang has to gather numerous companions on his journey to restore peace across the world, so there's no more fitting way to represent that in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Preview

Following the initial card reveal, here are a look of one Ally plus a Shrines cards from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo stands as a popular minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom that lived at an Air Temple after his village was ruined by a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's expertise in mechanics, he can glide in the air with his glider, and challenges Aang to an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's love of the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines through allowing the player loot each time a player attacks using an airborne unit, while also boosting your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, it is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total upon entering play, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card also drains an additional point anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like a strong card, given its cheap mana cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

A big drawback of Shrine strategies outside of Commander are that these cards are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time when crossover sets have been receiving a lot of criticism from the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, and the full set will be released on Nov. 21.