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Magic: The Gathering players often adopt tribal tactics — what player hasn't built a goblin strategy at some point? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set brings back two well-known examples which match seamlessly with the setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first ability, called "Ally," first debuted in a Zendikar set which grants buffs whenever more permanents bearing this type come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based type which first appeared in Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, Shrines also become power as you controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback of the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have shown up sporadically in newer sets, the Ally mechanic has been far less common — but this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature is central.

The protagonist Aang must assemble many allies on his journey to restore peace to the four nations, so it's no better method to reflect that through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Preview

Following the initial card reveal, below is previews at one Allies plus a Shrines cards from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

This character is one cherished supporting figure from ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe that lived in an Air Temple following his village was ruined by a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's expertise in engineering, he is able to glide in the air with his glider, and dares Aang to a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's love for flying and his tribe's use of gliders through allowing the player loot each time you attack using a flying unit, and additionally boosting your team with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, it is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore removes an additional life whenever another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be a powerful card, given the card's low cost and good ETB ability.

A big weakness of Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH is the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, but this card can be great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond products have been garnering a lot of hate by fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar can be precisely just what MTG requires.

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