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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently embrace tribe-based decks — what player hasn't built an elf deck before? — while this upcoming ATLA crossover set brings back 2 beloved examples which align perfectly to its flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first mechanic, named "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar which gives boosts whenever additional creatures with the Ally type come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents an enchantment type that originated in Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, Shrines also become power as a player owns additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have been appeared sporadically in newer sets, Allies mechanic has been much rarer — but that changes in ATLA, in which this mechanic gets heavily featured.

Aang must gather numerous friends on his journey to bring back balance across the world, so there's no more fitting method to reflect that through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Preview

After the first set reveal, below is previews of an Allies and a Shrines card in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo stands as one cherished minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of Earth Kingdom that lived at an Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a flood, which left him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's expertise with mechanics, he is able to fly in the air with his glider, and challenges Aang in an aerial race.

This card Teo represents his fondness for flying along with his tribe's reliance on gliders by allowing you loot whenever you attack with a flying creature, while additionally pumping your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, it is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life upon entering play, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

The card also drains an additional life anytime a Shrine enters the field.

This looks like a strong card, given its cheap cost plus good ETB ability.

One major drawback for Shrine decks in formats besides EDH is the fact that these cards are always Legendary, but this card can be effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently while crossover products have been receiving significant hate from the community, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, and all cards will be released on Nov. 21.