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Magic: The Gathering players consistently enjoy tribe-based decks — who hasn't constructed a zombie strategy at some point? — and the new ATLA crossover set is reintroducing 2 popular mechanics that match perfectly with the theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The initial ability, named "Ally," was debuted with the Zendikar set and provides bonuses whenever more creatures with this type enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents an enchantment subtype which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines also become power as a player owns more of them in play.

The Return for Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have shown up sporadically in recent sets, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — but that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit a lot of companions during his quest to bring back peace to the four nations, so there's no better way to show that in an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

After its first set announcement, below are previews at one Allies and one Shrines cards from the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

Teo is a beloved supporting figure from ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom that lived at an Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's skill in mechanics, he can fly in the air using his glider, and challenges Aang in a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's fondness of flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders by allowing the player loot each time a player attacks using an airborne creature, and additionally strengthening your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Regarding his home, it is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon entering play, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

It furthermore drains one more point whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

It appears to be a powerful addition, given its low mana cost and good ETB ability.

One big drawback for Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH are that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be great when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently while crossover products have been receiving significant hate from fans, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with the full set set to be released on Nov. 21.