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Magic: The Gathering fans consistently enjoy tribal tactics — what player hasn't constructed an elf strategy at some point? — while the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release revives two well-known mechanics which align perfectly with its flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first mechanic, named "Allies," first introduced with the Zendikar which grants boosts each time more permanents with this subtype come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents an enchantment subtype that first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain power when a player controls more of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback for Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have shown up occasionally across newer sets, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — until that changes with ATLA, where the feature gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must gather numerous friends during his journey to bring back balance across the four nations, so it's no more fitting way to reflect that through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

After its initial card announcement, here is previews of one Ally plus one Shrine card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Beloved Character

This character stands as a popular minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom who resided in the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's expertise with mechanics, Teo can fly in the air using his glider, and dares Aang in an aerial contest.

The card Teo reproduces his fondness of flying along with his tribe's use of flying machines by allowing the player loot each time a player attacks using a flying unit, while additionally pumping your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, this is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life upon coming into play, based on how many Shrine cards you have.

It also removes an additional point whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be a powerful card, considering its cheap cost plus valuable ETB effect.

A big drawback of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH is that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but this card is great when paired with another Shrine, which drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond products have been receiving a lot of backlash by fans, an iconic series like Avatar could be exactly what MTG requires.

Preview period has begun, and the full set will be released November 21st.