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MTG enthusiasts consistently adopt tribe-based decks — what player hasn't assembled an elf deck at some point? — while this upcoming ATLA crossover release brings back two beloved examples that match seamlessly to the setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial mechanic, called "Ally," first introduced in a Zendikar and grants bonuses each time more permanents with this type come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is an enchantment subtype that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise gain power as you has more Shrines in play.

A Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have appeared here and there in recent sets, the Ally mechanic has been seldom seen — but that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic is central.

Aang must gather numerous companions during the quest to bring back peace across the four nations, and it's no more fitting method to represent that through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After the initial set announcement, here are a look of an Allies and one Shrines cards in the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is one beloved supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom that resided in an Air Temple after his home was ruined in a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's skill in engineering, Teo can fly through the skies with his glider, and dares Aang in a flying contest.

This card Teo reproduces Teo's fondness for the skies and his tribe's reliance on gliders by letting you draw and discard whenever a player attacks with an airborne creature, while also pumping your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, this is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon entering play, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

The card also drains one more point anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like an impactful addition, given the card's low mana cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

A major weakness for Shrine-based strategies outside of Commander are the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, however this card can be great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently while crossover sets have been receiving significant criticism from fans, an iconic series such as Avatar could be precisely just what MTG requires.

Preview period has begun, and the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.