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MTG fans often embrace tribal strategies — what player has not built a goblin strategy before? — while the upcoming ATLA crossover release is reintroducing two popular examples that align perfectly with its setting.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

One initial mechanic, called "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar set and gives bonuses each time more permanents with the Ally subtype come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based subtype which first appeared in Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments also gain power when you controls additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have been appeared sporadically in newer sets, the Ally mechanic has been much rarer — but this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic gets central.

Aang has to gather many friends during his quest to bring back balance across the world, so it's no better method to reflect that in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Preview

After the first set reveal, below are previews of one Allies and one Shrine cards in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character is a beloved supporting figure in ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided in the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined by a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his father's skill in engineering, Teo can glide in the air using a flying device, even dares the Avatar to an aerial contest.

The card Teo reproduces his love of flying and his tribe's use on gliders by allowing you loot each time a player attacks using a flying unit, and additionally strengthening your team via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you control.

It also drains one more point anytime another Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be a strong addition, given its cheap mana cost and good ETB ability.

A major drawback of Shrine strategies outside of Commander is the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is great in combination with another Shrine, that drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond products are garnering significant criticism by the community, a beloved series like Avatar could be precisely what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, and all cards will be released on Nov. 21.