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Magic: The Gathering fans frequently enjoy tribe-based decks — who has not constructed an elf deck before? — and the new ATLA crossover set revives 2 popular examples which align seamlessly to its flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first ability, named "Ally," first introduced with the Zendikar set which provides bonuses each time additional permanents with this subtype come onto play.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is an enchantment type that originated in Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become strength when a player owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback of the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have been shown up here and there in recent releases, the Ally mechanic has been seldom seen — but this ends with ATLA, in which the feature gets prominently used.

Aang must recruit many friends during his quest to restore peace to the world, so it's no better method to show this in an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

After the first set reveal, below is previews at one Ally and a Shrine card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Beloved Character

This character is a popular minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe that lived at an Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's prowess in engineering, he can glide in the air with a flying device, and dares the Avatar in an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his passion for the skies along with his tribe's use on gliders through allowing you draw and discard each time a player attacks with an airborne unit, while additionally pumping your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, this appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life when coming into play, based on how many Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore drains one more point anytime a Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be a powerful addition, considering the card's low cost plus valuable ETB ability.

One major drawback of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH are the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is great when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond sets have been garnering significant hate by fans, a beloved series such as Avatar can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, with the full set will be launched November 21st.