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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts consistently enjoy tribal strategies — who has not assembled a goblin strategy at some point? — while this upcoming ATLA crossover release is reintroducing two beloved mechanics which fit perfectly with its setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial ability, named "Allies," first introduced with a Zendikar set which gives bonuses each time more creatures with the Ally subtype enter the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based subtype which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments also become strength as you has additional of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback of Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have shown up occasionally in newer sets, Allies mechanic was far less common — but that changes in ATLA, in which the mechanic is central.

The protagonist Aang must gather a lot of companions on his journey to bring back balance across the four nations, and there's no more fitting way to show that in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

After the first card reveal, here are a look at an Allies and a Shrines cards from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is a beloved supporting figure in ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom who resided at the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's expertise in mechanics, he can soar in the air using a flying device, and challenges Aang in an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's passion for the skies and his tribe's reliance of flying machines through letting you draw and discard each time a player attacks with a flying creature, and also strengthening your creatures via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, this is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

It also drains one more life whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be a powerful card, considering the card's cheap mana cost and valuable ETB effect.

One big weakness for Shrine decks outside of Commander is that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond products are receiving significant criticism by fans, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what MTG needs.

Preview period is already here, and all cards set to be released on Nov. 21.