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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently embrace tribal strategies — what player hasn't assembled a zombie deck before? — while this new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release is reintroducing 2 well-known mechanics that align seamlessly to the setting.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

One initial mechanic, known as "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar and grants boosts whenever additional permanents bearing the Ally type come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is an enchantment type that first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines also gain power when a player owns additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have shown up sporadically in recent sets, the Ally subtype has been much rarer — until this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble many friends on the quest to restore balance across the world, so it's no more fitting way to show that in a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

Following its initial set reveal, here are a look of one Ally and one Shrines card from the new ATLA release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is a beloved minor character in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe that lived in the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined in a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's expertise in mechanics, he is able to soar in the air using a flying device, even dares the Avatar to an aerial contest.

This card Teo showcases Teo's fondness for flying and his tribe's use of flying machines through letting the player loot each time you attack with an airborne unit, and also strengthening your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total when coming into play, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

The card also removes one more life anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like a powerful addition, considering its low cost and valuable ETB ability.

A major drawback of Shrine decks outside of Commander is the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, however this card is great in combination alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

Currently when crossover sets have been garnering a lot of backlash from fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

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