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MTG enthusiasts often embrace tribe-based strategies — what player has not built a goblin deck once or twice? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release brings back two well-known examples that align seamlessly with the flavor.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One first ability, named "Ally," was introduced in the Zendikar which grants bonuses each time more permanents bearing the Ally type enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is an enchantment subtype which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, these enchantments also gain strength when a player has more of them in play.

The Return of the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have been shown up here and there across newer sets, Allies mechanic was far less common — until this changes in ATLA, where this feature gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must gather many companions on the journey to restore balance across the four nations, and it's no better method to show this in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following the first set announcement, below is a look of an Ally and one Shrine card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character is a beloved supporting character in ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom who lived in the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined by a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's expertise with engineering, he can fly in the air using his glider, and challenges the Avatar to a flying race.

The card Teo showcases Teo's fondness of the skies along with his tribe's reliance of flying machines by letting the player loot each time a player attacks with a flying creature, while additionally pumping your team via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's home, this appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you have.

It furthermore removes one more life anytime a Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be a strong card, considering its low cost plus valuable ETB ability.

One big drawback for Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH are the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, but this card can be effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently while crossover sets have been receiving significant backlash by the community, an iconic franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what MTG requires.

Preview period has begun, with all cards set to be released on Nov. 21.