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MTG fans consistently embrace tribe-based strategies — who hasn't built an elf strategy once or twice? — and the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set is reintroducing two beloved examples that fit perfectly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial ability, called "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar which gives bonuses each time additional permanents with this type come onto the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based subtype that originated in Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, Shrines also become strength when a player has additional of them in play.

A Comeback for the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have been shown up sporadically in recent releases, the Ally subtype has been far less common — until that changes in ATLA, where this mechanic gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must gather a lot of companions during the quest to restore balance to the four nations, and there's no better way to show this through a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

After its first card announcement, here is a look of one Allies and one Shrines cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as one cherished minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe that resided in the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined in a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his father's prowess with mechanics, he can soar in the air using a flying device, even dares Aang in a flying race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his fondness of the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders through allowing the player loot each time you attack using a flying creature, while also boosting your creatures via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life when entering the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you have.

The card also removes an additional point anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be a powerful addition, considering the card's low mana cost plus good ETB ability.

One major weakness for Shrine strategies outside of EDH is the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be great in combination alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

Currently while crossover products are receiving significant backlash by fans, a beloved series such as Avatar can be precisely what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, and the full set set to be launched November 21st.