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Magic: The Gathering players consistently adopt tribal strategies — what player has not constructed a goblin strategy once or twice? — while this new ATLA crossover set is reintroducing 2 popular mechanics which fit perfectly to its theme.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

One initial mechanic, called "Ally," first debuted in a Zendikar which grants buffs whenever more creatures bearing this type enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents an enchantment subtype which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also become abilities as a player owns additional of them in play.

A Comeback of Allies Ability

While Shrine cards have been appeared here and there across newer sets, Allies mechanic has been much rarer — but this ends with ATLA, where this mechanic gets prominently used.

Aang must recruit many friends on his quest to bring back peace to the four nations, so there's no better way to reflect that in a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following its first card reveal, here are a look at one Allies and a Shrines card from the new ATLA set.

Teo: The Beloved Character

This character is one beloved supporting character in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe who resided at the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's skill in mechanics, Teo is able to glide in the air using a flying device, even challenges the Avatar to a flying contest.

This card Teo represents his love for the skies and his tribe's reliance of flying machines by allowing you loot each time you attack using a flying creature, and also strengthening your creatures via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total when coming into play, based on the number of Shrines you have.

It furthermore drains one more life anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This appears to be a strong card, considering the card's cheap cost plus good ETB effect.

One major weakness for Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH is that these cards are always Legendary, however this card can be great in combination with another Shrine, which drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond products are garnering significant criticism by the community, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season is already here, and all cards set to be released November 21st.