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Magic: The Gathering players frequently adopt tribal tactics — what player hasn't assembled a goblin strategy at some point? — while the upcoming ATLA crossover release revives two beloved mechanics which fit seamlessly to its setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first ability, named "Ally," first debuted in the Zendikar set which provides buffs each time additional creatures bearing the Ally type come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents another enchantment subtype that originated in Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise become power when a player owns additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally in recent releases, the Ally mechanic was far less common — until that ends in ATLA, where this feature is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit numerous allies during the quest to bring back balance across the world, so there's no more fitting method to show that through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

After the first set reveal, here is previews of an Allies and one Shrine cards in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as a beloved minor figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe that resided at the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined by a disaster, which left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's expertise in engineering, he is able to glide through the skies with his glider, and challenges the Avatar to an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's passion of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's use on flying machines by letting you loot each time you attack using a flying creature, while also pumping your creatures via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's home, this is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total upon coming into play, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

It furthermore removes one more point anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like a powerful card, given the card's cheap mana cost plus valuable ETB ability.

One major drawback of Shrine decks in formats besides EDH are the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, however this card is effective in combination with another Shrine, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond products are receiving significant backlash from the community, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

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