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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently enjoy tribal strategies — who has not constructed a goblin deck at some point? — while the forthcoming ATLA crossover release is reintroducing two well-known mechanics which align seamlessly to the flavor.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

One first ability, called "Ally," first introduced with the Zendikar which grants boosts whenever additional creatures with this subtype enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents another enchantment type that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines also become abilities as a player has more Shrines in play.

A Return for the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have been shown up occasionally in newer sets, Allies mechanic has been far less common — but this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic gets heavily featured.

Aang must gather a lot of allies on the quest to bring back balance to the four nations, so there's no more fitting way to show that through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Preview

Following its first set reveal, here are a look at an Ally plus one Shrine card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as a beloved supporting figure from ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe that lived in an Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his father's expertise in mechanics, he is able to fly through the skies using his glider, and challenges Aang to a flying race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's passion for flying and his tribe's use of flying machines by allowing you loot whenever a player attacks using an airborne unit, and also strengthening your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

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

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

This looks like a powerful card, given the card's cheap cost and valuable ETB effect.

A big drawback for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH is that these cards are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be great in combination with another Shrine, which drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time while crossover sets are receiving significant criticism from the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

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