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MTG fans often enjoy tribal decks — what player has not assembled a zombie strategy once or twice? — and this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set revives two popular examples which fit seamlessly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first ability, named "Ally," first debuted with the Zendikar which gives boosts whenever additional permanents bearing the Ally type enter the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based type that originated with Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise gain abilities as a player controls more of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically across recent releases, the Ally subtype was far less common — but that changes with ATLA, in which this mechanic gets prominently used.

Aang must gather many allies on the journey to restore peace to the four nations, and there's no better way to represent this through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After its first card reveal, here is previews of an Allies and a Shrine card from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo: The Beloved Character

Teo stands as one cherished supporting figure in ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe that lived in an Air Temple following his village was ruined in a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's skill with mechanics, he is able to glide in the air using his glider, and dares Aang to an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his love for flying and his tribe's reliance of flying machines through letting you draw and discard each time a player attacks using a flying unit, while additionally boosting your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, it appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life upon entering play, depending on the number of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore drains one more point anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be an impactful addition, given its cheap cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

A major drawback of Shrine decks outside of Commander is that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however this card is great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time while crossover products have been receiving significant hate from the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, with the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.