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MTG players often enjoy tribal decks — what player hasn't built a goblin deck before? — while the forthcoming ATLA crossover set brings back 2 beloved mechanics which match seamlessly with the setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first mechanic, known as "Allies," was debuted with the Zendikar set which gives buffs each time additional creatures with this subtype come onto the field.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents an enchantment type which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise become strength as a player owns more of them on the battlefield.

The Return of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have appeared sporadically in newer sets, Allies subtype was seldom seen — but this changes in ATLA, in which this feature is central.

Aang has to gather numerous companions on his quest to bring back balance to the world, so it's no more fitting way to reflect that in a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following the initial set reveal, below are previews of one Ally plus a Shrine card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Beloved Character

This character is one popular minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided at an Air Temple after his village was ruined in a flood, which left him paraplegic.

Due to his father's prowess with engineering, Teo is able to fly through the skies with his glider, even challenges the Avatar to an aerial contest.

This card Teo represents his love for flying and his tribe's use on flying machines through allowing you draw and discard whenever you attack using an airborne creature, and additionally strengthening your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, this is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life when entering the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you have.

It furthermore drains one more life whenever a Shrine enters the field.

This looks like an impactful card, given its cheap mana cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

One big drawback for Shrine decks in formats besides Commander are that Shrines are typically Legendary, however this card is great when paired with another Shrine, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond products are garnering a lot of criticism from the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season is already here, and the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.