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Magic: The Gathering fans consistently enjoy tribe-based tactics — what player has not assembled a goblin strategy before? — and the new ATLA crossover release is reintroducing 2 popular examples that align perfectly to the theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first ability, known as "Ally," first debuted with a Zendikar set which gives bonuses each time more permanents bearing this type enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is another enchantment type which originated in Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise gain abilities as you has more of them on the battlefield.

The Return of the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally across newer releases, the Ally mechanic has been much rarer — until that ends with ATLA, where the mechanic is central.

The protagonist Aang must assemble numerous friends on the journey to restore peace to the world, and it's no better method to show this through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following its initial card reveal, here are previews at one Allies plus one Shrine card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Beloved Character

Teo stands as a cherished supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom that resided at the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed in a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his father's skill with engineering, Teo is able to fly in the air using his glider, and challenges the Avatar to a flying race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's passion of the skies and the Earth Tribe's use on gliders through letting you loot whenever a player attacks using an airborne creature, and additionally boosting your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you have.

The card also drains one more life anytime another Shrine enters the field.

This looks like an impactful addition, considering the card's low cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

One major weakness of Shrine decks outside of EDH is the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but this card can be great when paired with another Shrine, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

At a time when crossover products are receiving significant hate by fans, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

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