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MTG fans frequently embrace tribal tactics — who hasn't assembled an elf strategy at some point? — and the new ATLA crossover set brings back 2 well-known mechanics which fit seamlessly with the setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first mechanic, named "Allies," was introduced in a Zendikar set and provides boosts whenever additional permanents with the Ally type enter play.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based type which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also gain power as a player has more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return for Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have appeared here and there in newer releases, Allies mechanic has been much rarer — but this changes with ATLA, where this feature gets prominently used.

Aang has to recruit numerous companions on the journey to bring back balance to the four nations, and it's no better way to reflect this through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

Following the initial card reveal, below are previews at an Allies plus one Shrines cards in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as a popular minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe that lived at an Air Temple following his home was ruined by a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's expertise with engineering, Teo can soar through the skies with a flying device, and dares the Avatar to a flying contest.

The card Teo reproduces his fondness for the skies and the Earth Tribe's use on flying machines by allowing the player loot whenever a player attacks with an airborne creature, and additionally boosting your creatures via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, it appears as the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total when coming into play, depending on the number of Shrines you have.

It also drains an additional point whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like an impactful card, given the card's low cost and good ETB effect.

One major drawback for Shrine decks outside of EDH are the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be effective in combination alongside another Shrine, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently when crossover products have been garnering a lot of hate from fans, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set set to be released November 21st.