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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts consistently enjoy tribe-based decks — what player hasn't constructed a goblin strategy at some point? — while the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release is reintroducing two well-known examples that match seamlessly to its setting.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One initial mechanic, called "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar which grants bonuses whenever additional creatures with this type enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based type which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. While not a creature tribe, these enchantments also become abilities when you owns more of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have shown up occasionally in recent sets, the Ally subtype has been far less common — but this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to gather numerous friends on the quest to restore balance to the world, and there's no more fitting method to represent this through a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Showcase

After its initial card announcement, here is a look at an Ally plus a Shrine cards in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo: The Beloved Character

Teo stands as one cherished minor figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe who lived at the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Because of his father's expertise in engineering, he can soar in the air with his glider, and dares the Avatar in an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's love of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders by letting you loot each time a player attacks with a flying creature, and also pumping your team with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life when coming into play, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

It also drains one more life whenever a Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be a powerful addition, given the card's low cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A major weakness of Shrine decks outside of EDH are the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond sets have been garnering a lot of criticism by the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

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