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MTG players consistently enjoy tribe-based tactics — what player has not built an elf deck before? — and the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release brings back 2 beloved examples that align perfectly with the theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial mechanic, known as "Allies," was introduced with a Zendikar which grants boosts each time more permanents bearing this type come onto the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is another enchantment type which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments also gain abilities as a player owns additional of them in play.

The Return of Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have been shown up occasionally in recent sets, Allies subtype was much rarer — but this changes with ATLA, where the feature is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must recruit many companions during his journey to bring back balance across the world, and there's no better way to represent this through an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

After its initial card announcement, here is previews at an Ally plus one Shrine card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Beloved Character

This character stands as one popular minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe that lived at an Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his father's skill in mechanics, he is able to glide in the air with a flying device, and challenges Aang to a flying race.

The card Teo reproduces his passion of the skies and his tribe's use on flying machines by allowing the player loot whenever you attack with an airborne creature, and additionally boosting your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore drains one more point anytime a Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be an impactful card, considering its low mana cost and valuable ETB ability.

A major weakness for Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander is that Shrines are always Legendary, however this card can be great when paired alongside another Shrine, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time when Universes Beyond sets are garnering a lot of criticism by fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards set to be launched on Nov. 21.