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Magic: The Gathering fans consistently enjoy tribal strategies — what player has not constructed a goblin strategy before? — and this forthcoming ATLA crossover set revives 2 beloved examples that fit seamlessly with its flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial ability, known as "Ally," was debuted in the Zendikar which gives boosts each time more permanents with this subtype come onto the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based subtype that originated with Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also gain power when a player controls additional of them in play.

The Return of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have been appeared here and there across recent releases, Allies mechanic was seldom seen — but this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature is heavily featured.

Aang must gather numerous companions on his journey to restore peace to the four nations, so it's no more fitting way to show that in a Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

After its initial card announcement, below is a look of an Allies and one Shrine cards from the new ATLA set.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

Teo stands as a beloved minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe who resided at the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's skill with mechanics, he is able to glide in the air using his glider, even challenges the Avatar in a flying race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his fondness of the skies and the Earth Tribe's use on flying machines by letting the player loot each time a player attacks with a flying creature, and additionally strengthening your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total upon entering play, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card also drains one more life whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This looks like a powerful addition, given its low cost plus good ETB effect.

A big weakness for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander are that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond sets have been garnering a lot of criticism from the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar can be precisely just what MTG requires.

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