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Magic: The Gathering players consistently embrace tribal decks — who has not built a goblin strategy before? — and this new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release brings back 2 popular mechanics that align seamlessly with the flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The initial ability, known as "Allies," first debuted with a Zendikar set and gives buffs each time more creatures with the Ally type come onto the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents another enchantment type which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also gain abilities as a player owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback for Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have appeared sporadically across recent sets, Allies mechanic was much rarer — until that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must gather numerous companions during the journey to restore balance across the four nations, and it's no more fitting method to represent that through a Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following its first card announcement, below are previews at one Allies plus one Shrine card from the new ATLA release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is one beloved supporting figure from ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom that lived in the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's skill with mechanics, Teo can glide in the air using a flying device, even dares the Avatar to an aerial contest.

This card Teo showcases his passion for flying and his tribe's use of flying machines through letting you draw and discard whenever you attack with a flying creature, and also boosting your creatures via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Speaking of his home, this is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore drains an additional point anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It looks like an impactful card, given the card's cheap mana cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

One big drawback for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond products are garnering a lot of criticism from the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, and all cards set to be released November 21st.