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Magic: The Gathering fans often adopt tribal decks — who hasn't constructed a zombie deck before? — while this forthcoming ATLA crossover release brings back 2 popular examples which fit perfectly with the flavor.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One initial mechanic, named "Ally," first introduced with the Zendikar set and grants buffs each time more permanents bearing this subtype enter the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is an enchantment type which originated in Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain power when you controls more of them in play.

A Comeback of Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have been shown up here and there across newer releases, the Ally subtype was much rarer — but this ends in ATLA, in which this feature is prominently used.

Aang must recruit a lot of friends during the quest to bring back peace to the four nations, and it's no better way to represent that through a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

Following its first set announcement, below is previews at an Ally plus a Shrines card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Beloved Character

This character is a cherished minor figure in ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom who resided in the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed in a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's skill in mechanics, Teo is able to glide in the air with a flying device, and challenges Aang to a flying race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his passion of flying and the Earth Tribe's use on gliders through letting the player draw and discard whenever a player attacks using an airborne unit, while additionally pumping your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his home, this is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life when entering the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card also drains an additional life whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This looks like a strong card, given its cheap cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One big weakness of Shrine strategies outside of Commander is that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired with another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

At a time while crossover sets are receiving significant backlash by fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar can be exactly just what MTG needs.

Preview period is already here, with all cards set to be launched November 21st.