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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often embrace tribe-based tactics — what player has not assembled a goblin deck at some point? — while the new ATLA crossover set is reintroducing two well-known examples which match perfectly with the theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first mechanic, called "Ally," first debuted with a Zendikar and gives buffs whenever additional creatures bearing this subtype come onto the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is an enchantment subtype which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also become abilities when you controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback of Allies Ability

While Shrines have shown up occasionally in newer sets, the Ally subtype has been much rarer — until this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic is heavily featured.

Aang has to recruit many friends on the journey to bring back peace to the four nations, so there's no more fitting method to show that in a Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After its initial set announcement, here is previews of an Allies and a Shrines card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Beloved Figure

Teo stands as one cherished supporting character in ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom that lived in an Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his father's expertise with mechanics, he is able to soar through the skies with his glider, even dares the Avatar in an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his passion for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines through allowing you draw and discard each time you attack with a flying creature, while additionally strengthening your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, this is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

It furthermore removes one more point anytime a Shrine enters the field.

This looks like a strong addition, given its cheap mana cost and valuable ETB ability.

One major weakness of Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander are that these cards are always legendary permanents, however this card can be effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond sets have been receiving a lot of backlash by fans, a beloved series like Avatar can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set set to be released November 21st.