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MTG players consistently embrace tribe-based tactics — who has not assembled an elf strategy at some point? — while this new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set is reintroducing 2 popular mechanics which align seamlessly to the setting.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The first ability, named "Ally," first introduced with the Zendikar and gives bonuses each time more permanents bearing this subtype enter play.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based subtype that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, Shrines also gain abilities as you owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have been shown up sporadically across newer releases, the Ally subtype has been much rarer — but that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit a lot of companions on his quest to restore balance to the four nations, so it's no more fitting way to represent this through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following the first card announcement, below are a look of one Allies plus a Shrines card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Beloved Figure

This character is a popular minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe that resided in the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined by a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's skill in mechanics, he is able to soar through the skies with a flying device, and dares the Avatar in a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's love for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines through letting the player draw and discard each time a player attacks using an airborne unit, and additionally pumping your creatures via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of his home, this is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life upon coming into play, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore drains one more life anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like a strong addition, considering the card's cheap mana cost plus valuable ETB effect.

One big weakness for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be great when paired alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond products are receiving a lot of hate from fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what MTG needs.

Preview period is already here, and all cards set to be released November 21st.