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Magic: The Gathering fans often adopt tribe-based strategies — who hasn't assembled a zombie strategy before? — while the upcoming ATLA crossover release is reintroducing two well-known examples that match seamlessly to its theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One initial mechanic, known as "Ally," first introduced in a Zendikar set which provides bonuses whenever more permanents bearing the Ally subtype come onto play.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based subtype that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, these enchantments also become power as a player has more of them in play.

A Return for the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have shown up sporadically in newer releases, Allies mechanic has been seldom seen — until this changes in ATLA, where this mechanic is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must gather many friends on his journey to bring back balance across the world, and it's no more fitting method to represent that through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

Following its first card reveal, below is a look of one Allies plus one Shrines card from the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is one popular supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom that lived in the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined in a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's expertise in mechanics, Teo is able to fly in the air using his glider, even dares Aang to a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's fondness for the skies and his tribe's use of gliders through letting you loot each time a player attacks using an airborne unit, while additionally pumping your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of his home, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life upon entering play, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card furthermore removes an additional point anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like an impactful card, given its low mana cost and good ETB ability.

A big drawback of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, but this card can be great in combination alongside another Shrine, which drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond sets are receiving a lot of backlash from the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar can be precisely what MTG requires.

Spoiler season has begun, with all cards will be launched November 21st.