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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often adopt tribal strategies — who has not built an elf strategy at some point? — while this upcoming ATLA crossover set is reintroducing 2 well-known examples that match seamlessly with its theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial mechanic, named "Allies," was debuted with a Zendikar set and gives buffs whenever additional creatures bearing this type enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based type that first appeared with Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also gain strength as a player has additional of them on the battlefield.

A Return of the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have been shown up sporadically across newer sets, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — but this ends with ATLA, in which the feature is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble many friends during his quest to restore peace to the four nations, and it's no more fitting method to represent this through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following the initial set reveal, here is a look of one Allies and one Shrine cards from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as a cherished minor character in ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom who lived at the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's prowess in engineering, he is able to fly through the skies with his glider, and dares the Avatar in a flying race.

The card Teo represents his love of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's use of flying machines by allowing you loot each time you attack using a flying creature, while also boosting your team via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this appears as the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

It also removes one more life anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be an impactful card, given its cheap cost plus valuable ETB ability.

One big drawback for Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander are that Shrines are typically Legendary, but this card can be great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond products have been garnering significant backlash by fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar could be precisely just what MTG needs.

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