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Magic: The Gathering players consistently embrace tribal strategies — what player hasn't assembled a goblin strategy once or twice? — while the new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set brings back 2 beloved examples that fit seamlessly to the flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

The initial mechanic, called "Allies," first introduced with a Zendikar and provides buffs whenever additional creatures bearing the Ally type come onto play.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is an enchantment type which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain strength when you has additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return of the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have been appeared here and there in newer sets, the Ally subtype was much rarer — but this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature gets central.

The protagonist Aang has to gather numerous companions during his quest to bring back peace to the world, so it's no more fitting method to reflect that through an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

After its first set reveal, below are a look at one Allies and one Shrine card in the new ATLA set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is one beloved minor character from ATLA, a boy of Earth Kingdom who resided in an Air Temple after his village was destroyed in a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's prowess with engineering, Teo can fly through the skies with his glider, and challenges Aang in a flying race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his fondness of flying and the Earth Tribe's use on gliders through letting you loot each time a player attacks with an airborne creature, while also strengthening your team with counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life when coming into play, depending on the number of Shrines you have.

It also drains an additional life whenever a Shrine enters the field.

This looks like an impactful addition, considering the card's cheap cost plus good ETB effect.

One major drawback of Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander are the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but this card is effective in combination alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Crossover

Currently while crossover sets are receiving a lot of backlash by fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season is already here, and all cards will be launched November 21st.