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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often adopt tribal strategies — what player has not assembled a goblin deck before? — while this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set brings back 2 well-known mechanics which fit seamlessly with the flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial ability, named "Ally," was debuted with the Zendikar which grants bonuses each time more permanents with this type enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is an enchantment type that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain strength as a player owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return of Allies Ability

While Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally in recent sets, Allies subtype was much rarer — but that ends with ATLA, where the mechanic gets central.

Aang must gather a lot of friends on the journey to restore peace to the world, so it's no more fitting way to reflect this through an Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

After the first card announcement, below is a look at an Ally and one Shrines cards from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as a cherished supporting character in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe that lived in an Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his father's skill in engineering, Teo can soar through the skies using a flying device, even dares the Avatar to an aerial contest.

The card Teo represents Teo's fondness of flying along with his tribe's use of gliders through letting you draw and discard whenever a player attacks with a flying creature, and also boosting your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine

Regarding his home, it is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life upon entering play, depending on how many of Shrines you control.

The card furthermore drains one more point whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like a strong card, given the card's cheap mana cost plus good ETB ability.

One major drawback of Shrine decks in formats besides EDH are that Shrines are always Legendary, but this card is effective in combination alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond sets have been garnering significant criticism by the community, an iconic series like Avatar could be precisely what MTG requires.

Preview period has begun, and the full set set to be launched November 21st.