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Magic: The Gathering fans frequently enjoy tribe-based decks — what player has not constructed a zombie deck once or twice? — and this forthcoming ATLA crossover release revives 2 well-known mechanics which align seamlessly to its flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

The first ability, called "Allies," was debuted with a Zendikar set and gives bonuses whenever more permanents with the Ally type enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based type that first appeared in Kamigawa. While not a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise become abilities when you has additional Shrines in play.

The Return of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have appeared occasionally across newer releases, the Ally subtype was far less common — but that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature is heavily featured.

Aang has to gather a lot of companions during the journey to bring back balance to the world, and it's no more fitting way to show this in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following its initial card announcement, here is a look at one Allies and a Shrine card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Beloved Character

This character stands as one popular supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe who lived in the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his father's expertise with engineering, he is able to soar in the air with a flying device, and dares the Avatar to a flying contest.

The card Teo represents his passion for flying and his tribe's reliance of flying machines through letting you loot whenever a player attacks with an airborne unit, while also pumping your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore drains an additional point anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like an impactful card, considering the card's low cost and good ETB ability.

One major drawback of Shrine decks outside of Commander are that these cards are typically Legendary, but this card can be effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond sets are garnering a lot of backlash from fans, an iconic series such as Avatar can be precisely just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, with the full set will be launched November 21st.