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Magic: The Gathering players frequently adopt tribal strategies — who hasn't constructed a goblin deck at some point? — and the new ATLA crossover release is reintroducing 2 popular mechanics which fit seamlessly to its flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One initial mechanic, named "Allies," was introduced with the Zendikar set which grants bonuses each time more creatures bearing this subtype enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based subtype that first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also gain abilities as a player has additional of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback of Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have been appeared sporadically in recent releases, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — but this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature is central.

Aang has to recruit numerous companions on his journey to bring back peace across the world, so it's no more fitting way to show that in a Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After its initial card announcement, below are a look at one Allies plus a Shrine card from the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as a popular supporting character in ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom that lived in the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined by a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's skill with engineering, Teo is able to soar through the skies using his glider, and dares the Avatar in an aerial contest.

This card Teo showcases his fondness of the skies along with his tribe's reliance on flying machines through allowing you draw and discard whenever you attack with a flying unit, and also pumping your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, this appears as the card Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life when coming into play, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

It also removes an additional life whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be a powerful card, considering the card's low mana cost and valuable ETB effect.

A big drawback of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but this card can be great when paired with another Shrine, that drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond sets have been garnering a lot of criticism by fans, a beloved series like Avatar could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, and the full set set to be launched November 21st.