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Magic: The Gathering players consistently adopt tribe-based strategies — who hasn't constructed a zombie strategy at some point? — and the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set brings back 2 popular examples which fit seamlessly with its flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

The initial ability, named "Allies," first introduced with a Zendikar and provides buffs each time more creatures with this type enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based type that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become power as you owns more of them on the battlefield.

A Return of Allies Ability

While Shrines have been appeared occasionally across recent releases, Allies subtype was far less common — but that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature gets central.

The protagonist Aang must assemble many allies on his quest to restore balance to the four nations, and it's no more fitting method to reflect this in a Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After its first card reveal, below is a look at one Allies and a Shrine card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Beloved Character

Teo is one beloved supporting figure in ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom who lived at an Air Temple following his home was ruined by a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's expertise in engineering, he can soar in the air using a flying device, and dares Aang in an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's fondness for the skies along with his tribe's reliance on gliders by allowing you loot whenever you attack with a flying unit, and additionally pumping your creatures with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life total when coming into play, based on the number of Shrines you control.

The card furthermore drains one more point whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

It looks like an impactful card, given its low cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

One major weakness of Shrine-based decks outside of EDH is that Shrines are typically Legendary, however this card is effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond products have been garnering significant criticism by fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, with the full set will be launched November 21st.