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MTG players often adopt tribal tactics — what player has not built an elf strategy at some point? — while this forthcoming ATLA crossover set revives 2 well-known mechanics that align perfectly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first mechanic, called "Ally," first debuted with a Zendikar and grants buffs each time additional creatures with the Ally subtype come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is another enchantment subtype which originated in Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain abilities when a player owns additional Shrines in play.

The Comeback for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have appeared here and there in recent sets, the Ally mechanic was seldom seen — but that ends with ATLA, where the mechanic gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must gather a lot of companions on the journey to restore balance to the four nations, so it's no more fitting way to reflect that in a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

After its initial set reveal, here is a look at an Ally plus a Shrines cards in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is a popular supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of Earth Kingdom that resided at an Air Temple following his home was ruined by a disaster, which left him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's expertise in engineering, he can fly through the skies with his glider, and challenges the Avatar to an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his love of flying along with his tribe's reliance of flying machines through letting you loot each time a player attacks using an airborne unit, and additionally strengthening your team with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, this appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore drains one more life anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

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

A major drawback of Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander is that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

Currently when crossover products have been receiving a lot of hate by the community, a beloved series such as Avatar could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period has begun, with the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.