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MTG players consistently enjoy tribe-based tactics — what player hasn't assembled an elf deck at some point? — while the new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set is reintroducing two well-known mechanics that align perfectly with its flavor.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The first mechanic, named "Allies," first introduced in the Zendikar and grants boosts whenever more creatures with this type enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is another enchantment subtype which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, Shrines also gain power as you controls more of them on the battlefield.

The Return for Allies Ability

Although Shrines have appeared here and there in recent releases, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — but that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic is central.

The protagonist Aang must gather many friends on the quest to bring back peace to the four nations, so there's no better way to represent that through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following its first card announcement, below is previews at an Allies and one Shrine cards in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is a beloved supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe who resided at the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined by a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's expertise with engineering, he can glide in the air with a flying device, even dares the Avatar to an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's fondness of the skies and the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through letting you draw and discard each time a player attacks using a flying creature, and additionally pumping your team with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, it appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life when entering play, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

The card also drains an additional point anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It looks like a powerful addition, considering its low mana cost plus good ETB ability.

One major weakness for Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander is the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is great when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently while crossover products are garnering a lot of criticism from fans, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, and all cards set to be released on Nov. 21.