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MTG fans often embrace tribal strategies — what player hasn't assembled a goblin deck once or twice? — while the forthcoming ATLA crossover set brings back two beloved examples that align perfectly with the setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial ability, known as "Allies," was debuted with the Zendikar which provides bonuses whenever additional permanents with this type come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents another enchantment subtype which first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become strength when you controls additional of them on the battlefield.

A Return for the Ally Ability

While Shrines have been shown up occasionally across newer sets, the Ally subtype has been much rarer — until that changes in ATLA, in which the mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must recruit many allies on his quest to restore balance across the world, and it's no better way to represent this through a Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following the first card reveal, here is previews at one Ally and one Shrines cards in the new ATLA release.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

Teo is one cherished supporting figure in ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom who resided at the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined in a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's prowess in mechanics, Teo can glide through the skies using his glider, even dares Aang to an aerial contest.

The card Teo represents Teo's fondness for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders by letting you draw and discard each time you attack using an airborne unit, and additionally pumping your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of his home, this appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you control.

It furthermore removes one more point whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It looks like a strong card, given its cheap cost plus valuable ETB ability.

One major weakness for Shrine strategies outside of EDH are that Shrines are typically Legendary, however this card can be effective when paired alongside another Shrine, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond sets are receiving significant criticism from fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar can be precisely what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, with all cards will be released November 21st.