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MTG players frequently enjoy tribe-based tactics — what player has not assembled a zombie strategy before? — and the new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set revives 2 popular mechanics that align seamlessly with its theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial ability, known as "Allies," first debuted in a Zendikar and provides boosts each time more creatures bearing this type enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based type which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain abilities when you owns more of them in play.

The Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have appeared occasionally across newer sets, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — until this ends in ATLA, where the feature gets central.

Aang has to assemble a lot of companions during his journey to bring back balance to the four nations, and there's no more fitting way to represent that in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Preview

After the initial card reveal, here are previews of one Allies plus one Shrines card in the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is one popular supporting character from ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom who lived in the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Due to his father's expertise with mechanics, he is able to fly in the air using a flying device, and challenges Aang to a flying race.

The card Teo represents his love for the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines through allowing you loot each time you attack using an airborne creature, and also pumping your team via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, it appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total when coming into play, depending on the number of Shrines you have.

It furthermore removes an additional life whenever another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like a strong card, considering the card's cheap cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One big weakness for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander is that Shrines are always Legendary, but this card can be great when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time when crossover products have been garnering a lot of criticism by the community, an iconic series like Avatar can be precisely what MTG needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with all cards will be released on Nov. 21.