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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts consistently embrace tribe-based tactics — what player has not assembled a zombie deck at some point? — and this new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release is reintroducing 2 well-known mechanics which align seamlessly with its flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial ability, named "Allies," first debuted with the Zendikar and provides bonuses each time more creatures with this type enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based type which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become strength when you owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return of the Ally Ability

While Shrines have appeared here and there across newer sets, Allies mechanic has been far less common — until that ends in ATLA, in which the feature gets central.

The protagonist Aang must recruit many friends during his journey to bring back peace to the four nations, so it's no more fitting method to reflect that in an Magic set.

Revealed Cards Preview

After the first set announcement, below are a look at one Ally and a Shrine card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

This character is one beloved minor character from ATLA, a boy of Earth Kingdom who resided at the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's prowess with engineering, Teo is able to soar through the skies using a flying device, and challenges the Avatar in an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's love of flying and his tribe's use on gliders by letting you loot whenever a player attacks using a flying unit, and also pumping your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, this is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you control.

It also removes one more life whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be a strong addition, considering its cheap cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A major drawback of Shrine strategies outside of Commander are that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently while crossover sets have been receiving significant criticism by fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set will be launched November 21st.