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Magic: The Gathering players often enjoy tribe-based tactics — what player has not assembled a goblin strategy once or twice? — while the upcoming ATLA crossover set revives 2 popular mechanics that fit seamlessly to its theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial ability, named "Allies," was introduced in a Zendikar which gives buffs each time additional creatures with this type come onto the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based subtype which originated in Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain strength when a player has additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return of Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have appeared sporadically in newer releases, Allies subtype has been much rarer — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the mechanic gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must gather many allies during his quest to bring back peace to the four nations, so it's no better way to reflect that in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following its first set reveal, below are previews at an Ally and one Shrines cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

Teo is a beloved supporting character in ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom that lived at the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed in a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's prowess in mechanics, he can soar in the air using a flying device, and dares Aang in an aerial contest.

This card Teo reproduces Teo's love for the skies along with his tribe's reliance of flying machines by allowing the player loot whenever you attack with a flying unit, and additionally strengthening your creatures via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of his home, this appears as the card Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you control.

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

It looks like a powerful addition, considering its cheap cost and good ETB effect.

One major drawback for Shrine-based decks outside of EDH is the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is effective when paired with another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

At a time when Universes Beyond sets have been receiving a lot of hate from fans, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with all cards will be released on Nov. 21.