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Magic: The Gathering players consistently adopt tribal tactics — what player hasn't built an elf strategy at some point? — while the new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set brings back two well-known examples that match perfectly to the setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first mechanic, named "Ally," was introduced in a Zendikar set and grants buffs whenever additional permanents bearing this type enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based subtype that originated in Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also gain power when you has more Shrines in play.

A Comeback for Allies Ability

While Shrines have been appeared occasionally across newer sets, the Ally subtype was far less common — until that ends in ATLA, where the mechanic gets central.

Aang has to assemble numerous companions during the quest to bring back peace to the world, and it's no better way to represent that through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Preview

After its first set announcement, below is previews at one Allies and one Shrines cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character is a beloved minor character in ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe that resided at an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his father's skill in engineering, Teo is able to soar through the skies using a flying device, and challenges Aang in a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's love of flying and his tribe's use on gliders through allowing you loot whenever a player attacks using an airborne creature, while additionally strengthening your team via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, this is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you have.

It furthermore drains an additional point whenever a Shrine enters the field.

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

One big drawback of Shrine-based decks outside of Commander are the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, however this card is effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond products have been garnering significant hate by fans, an iconic series like Avatar can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season is already here, and the full set set to be released on Nov. 21.