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MTG players frequently embrace tribal decks — who has not built a zombie deck once or twice? — while this forthcoming ATLA crossover release is reintroducing 2 popular examples which fit perfectly to its theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first mechanic, known as "Ally," was debuted with the Zendikar which provides boosts each time additional creatures bearing this type enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is another enchantment subtype that first appeared with Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also gain strength as a player controls additional of them in play.

The Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have appeared sporadically across recent releases, Allies subtype was much rarer — but this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the mechanic is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble many allies on the quest to restore peace across the four nations, so there's no more fitting way to represent that through a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After the first card announcement, here are previews at an Ally and a Shrine cards in the new ATLA release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character is one cherished supporting character in ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom that lived at an Air Temple after his home was ruined in a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's expertise in mechanics, Teo is able to glide through the skies with a flying device, even challenges Aang in an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his passion for flying along with his tribe's use on flying machines by letting the player draw and discard each time you attack using a flying unit, and additionally pumping your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you control.

The card furthermore removes an additional life whenever a Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be a strong card, considering the card's cheap cost plus valuable ETB ability.

A major drawback for Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH are that these cards are typically Legendary, but this card is effective in combination with another Shrine, which drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently while crossover products are garnering a lot of backlash from fans, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season is already here, and all cards will be released on Nov. 21.