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MTG fans frequently enjoy tribal strategies — who hasn't assembled a zombie deck at some point? — while the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set is reintroducing two beloved examples which fit perfectly with the theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first mechanic, known as "Allies," first introduced with the Zendikar which provides boosts each time more creatures bearing this type come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is an enchantment type that first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines also gain strength as you owns more of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have been shown up here and there in recent releases, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — until this ends in ATLA, where this mechanic is heavily featured.

Aang has to assemble numerous companions on the quest to restore peace to the four nations, and it's no better method to reflect that through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Preview

Following its initial set announcement, here are previews of one Allies and a Shrines cards in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as a cherished supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom who lived in the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined by a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his father's prowess in engineering, Teo is able to glide in the air with his glider, even challenges Aang in a flying race.

The card Teo represents his fondness for the skies and his tribe's reliance on flying machines by allowing the player loot each time you attack using an airborne creature, and also pumping your creatures via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, this is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore removes an additional point whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This looks like a strong card, given its low mana cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

One major weakness for Shrine-based decks outside of EDH are the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, but this card can be effective when paired with another Shrine, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently while crossover sets are garnering significant criticism by the community, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, and the full set will be released on Nov. 21.