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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often adopt tribe-based tactics — what player hasn't built an elf strategy before? — and the upcoming ATLA crossover release brings back two well-known examples which match seamlessly with the flavor.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

One initial ability, known as "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar set and gives bonuses whenever more permanents bearing the Ally type enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is another enchantment subtype which first appeared in Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also become strength as you controls additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback of Allies Ability

While Shrine cards have been appeared here and there in recent releases, Allies subtype was seldom seen — until that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature gets prominently used.

Aang has to recruit a lot of friends during his quest to bring back balance to the world, so it's no more fitting method to represent this through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Preview

After its first set reveal, below is a look at an Allies and a Shrines card in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as a beloved supporting character from ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe who lived in the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined by a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's prowess with mechanics, he is able to glide through the skies with his glider, even challenges Aang in a flying race.

This card Teo reproduces Teo's love of flying along with the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through letting the player draw and discard whenever a player attacks with a flying creature, and additionally strengthening your creatures via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, it appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total upon coming into play, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

It also removes one more point anytime a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be an impactful card, given the card's low mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A big weakness of Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander are that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however this card can be effective when paired with another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond sets are garnering a lot of criticism from fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

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