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MTG fans often enjoy tribal strategies — who has not constructed a goblin strategy once or twice? — and the new ATLA crossover release revives two well-known examples which align perfectly with its theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first ability, known as "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar set which provides bonuses whenever more permanents with the Ally subtype enter the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based type that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also become strength when you controls additional of them in play.

The Return for Allies Ability

While Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically across recent releases, Allies subtype was far less common — until this changes in ATLA, in which the feature gets central.

The protagonist Aang must gather numerous friends on his journey to restore balance across the world, and it's no better way to reflect this in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following its first set announcement, below are previews of an Ally and a Shrines cards from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character is a cherished supporting figure in ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom who resided at the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's prowess in mechanics, Teo can soar through the skies using a flying device, and challenges the Avatar to an aerial contest.

The card Teo represents Teo's passion of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's use of flying machines by letting the player draw and discard each time you attack with a flying creature, and also strengthening your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card also drains an additional point whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be an impactful card, considering the card's low mana cost plus valuable ETB effect.

A major weakness for Shrine strategies outside of EDH are that these cards are always Legendary, however this card is effective when paired with another Shrine, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently while crossover products have been receiving significant criticism by the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar can be precisely just what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, and all cards set to be launched on Nov. 21.