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MTG players often embrace tribal tactics — who hasn't built a zombie strategy before? — and this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release brings back two beloved examples which fit perfectly with its setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first mechanic, named "Ally," was introduced in a Zendikar set which provides bonuses whenever more creatures with this subtype come onto the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based subtype that originated in Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise gain abilities when a player has more Shrines in play.

A Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have appeared here and there across newer releases, the Ally subtype has been much rarer — until this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must gather a lot of allies during the journey to restore peace to the four nations, so there's no better way to represent this through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following its initial card announcement, below is a look of an Ally and one Shrine card in the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character is a beloved supporting figure in ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe who lived at the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's skill in mechanics, he is able to soar in the air using his glider, even dares the Avatar to an aerial contest.

The card Teo reproduces his passion for the skies along with his tribe's use of flying machines by allowing you loot each time a player attacks using an airborne unit, while additionally boosting your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, this is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life when entering the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore drains one more point whenever another Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be a strong addition, given its cheap mana cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

One big drawback for Shrine-based strategies outside of Commander is the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however this card is effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond sets have been garnering significant backlash by fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, with all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.