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MTG enthusiasts consistently embrace tribal strategies — who has not built a zombie strategy at some point? — and this new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set brings back two popular examples which align perfectly with the theme.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One first mechanic, named "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar set and grants bonuses each time more creatures with the Ally type enter the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is an enchantment subtype that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise become power as a player owns more of them on the battlefield.

A Return for Allies Ability

Although Shrines have been appeared here and there in newer releases, the Ally mechanic has been far less common — until this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature is central.

Aang has to recruit numerous companions during his quest to bring back balance across the four nations, and there's no more fitting method to show that through a Magic set.

Revealed Cards Preview

After the first set reveal, below is a look of one Allies plus one Shrine cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Beloved Figure

Teo is a beloved minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of Earth Kingdom who resided at an Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's prowess with engineering, Teo can glide in the air using a flying device, even challenges Aang in an aerial race.

The card Teo showcases his passion of the skies and his tribe's reliance on flying machines by allowing you loot whenever you attack with a flying creature, and also boosting your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, it is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total upon entering play, based on how many of Shrines you control.

It furthermore drains one more life anytime a Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be a strong card, given its cheap cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

A major weakness of Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH is that Shrines are typically Legendary, however this card is great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

At a time when Universes Beyond sets have been receiving a lot of hate from the community, an iconic franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards will be released on Nov. 21.