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Magic: The Gathering fans often adopt tribal tactics — who has not built a zombie strategy once or twice? — and the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set is reintroducing two beloved examples that fit seamlessly to its setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial ability, called "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar and provides boosts whenever more creatures with the Ally subtype enter the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based subtype which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain strength when a player has additional of them in play.

A Comeback for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have shown up here and there in newer sets, the Ally subtype has been far less common — but this changes in ATLA, where this mechanic is central.

The protagonist Aang must recruit many companions during the quest to bring back peace across the four nations, and it's no better way to show this in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

Following its initial card reveal, here is a look at an Allies and a Shrine card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is one beloved minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom that lived at an Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's prowess in mechanics, he is able to fly through the skies using a flying device, even challenges Aang in a flying race.

The card Teo represents Teo's passion of the skies along with his tribe's reliance of flying machines through letting the player loot each time you attack using a flying unit, and also boosting your creatures with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, it is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore removes an additional point whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

This appears to be an impactful card, given the card's low cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A major drawback for Shrine-based decks outside of EDH is that these cards are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is effective when paired alongside another Shrine, that drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time while crossover products are receiving significant criticism by fans, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, and the full set set to be released November 21st.