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MTG fans frequently enjoy tribe-based strategies — who hasn't assembled a goblin deck at some point? — and the new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release brings back 2 popular mechanics that fit perfectly with the flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first ability, called "Ally," first debuted in a Zendikar set which grants boosts whenever additional creatures with the Ally subtype come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based type that first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also become strength when you controls more of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback of the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have been appeared here and there across newer releases, Allies subtype was much rarer — until that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature is central.

The protagonist Aang has to gather a lot of allies on the quest to restore peace to the four nations, and there's no better method to show this in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

After its initial set reveal, here are previews at an Allies and one Shrine cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

This character stands as a cherished minor figure from ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe that lived in the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's skill in engineering, he can glide in the air using a flying device, even dares Aang in a flying race.

The card Teo represents his love of the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders by letting the player draw and discard whenever you attack using a flying creature, and also pumping your team with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's home, it appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore removes one more life whenever a Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be an impactful card, given the card's low mana cost and good ETB ability.

A big drawback of Shrine-based decks outside of EDH is that Shrines are typically Legendary, however this card can be effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Crossover

At a time when crossover products have been garnering a lot of hate by fans, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what MTG requires.

Preview period is already here, and the full set will be released November 21st.