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MTG fans consistently enjoy tribal strategies — what player has not assembled a zombie deck at some point? — while the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set brings back two well-known examples that fit perfectly to its theme.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

The initial ability, called "Ally," first introduced in a Zendikar and provides buffs each time additional creatures with the Ally type enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment subtype which first appeared in Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, these enchantments also gain abilities as a player controls more of them on the battlefield.

A Return of Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have been appeared here and there in recent releases, Allies mechanic was much rarer — but this changes in ATLA, in which this mechanic gets central.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit many friends on his quest to restore peace across the world, so it's no more fitting way to represent this in a Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

After the first card reveal, here are a look of an Ally and a Shrine card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as one cherished minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom that lived in an Air Temple after his village was ruined in a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's skill in mechanics, he is able to fly in the air with a flying device, even dares the Avatar in an aerial contest.

This card Teo showcases his passion for flying along with his tribe's use on flying machines through allowing the player loot whenever a player attacks using a flying creature, and additionally boosting your creatures via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his home, it is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total when coming into play, based on how many Shrine cards you have.

It also drains an additional point whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like an impactful card, given the card's low cost and valuable ETB effect.

One big drawback for Shrine-based decks outside of EDH is that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired with another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently when crossover products have been garnering significant criticism from the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, and the full set set to be released on Nov. 21.