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MTG players consistently embrace tribe-based strategies — who hasn't built an elf strategy once or twice? — while the new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release is reintroducing two beloved examples that align seamlessly to its theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial ability, known as "Ally," was introduced in the Zendikar which gives buffs each time more creatures bearing the Ally type enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents an enchantment subtype that first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not a creature tribe, Shrines also gain strength as a player controls additional Shrines in play.

The Return for Allies Ability

While Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally across recent sets, the Ally mechanic has been far less common — until this changes in ATLA, where this mechanic is central.

The protagonist Aang must assemble numerous allies on the quest to restore peace to the four nations, and there's no better way to reflect that through an Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

After its first set reveal, below is previews at one Allies plus a Shrine card in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

Teo is one popular supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe who resided at an Air Temple after his village was destroyed in a disaster, which left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's prowess in mechanics, he can fly through the skies using a flying device, and dares the Avatar in an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's fondness for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines by letting you loot each time you attack using a flying creature, and also pumping your creatures via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, this appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total when coming into play, based on the number of Shrines you control.

It furthermore drains one more point whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This appears to be a strong addition, given the card's low cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

One major drawback of Shrine decks outside of Commander is that these cards are typically Legendary, but this card can be effective when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time while crossover products are garnering significant hate by the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period is already here, with the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.