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MTG players frequently enjoy tribe-based decks — who has not built a zombie strategy at some point? — while the new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set revives 2 beloved mechanics which align seamlessly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial mechanic, known as "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar set and grants buffs whenever more permanents bearing the Ally subtype come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based subtype which originated in Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribe, these enchantments also gain abilities as you has more of them in play.

A Return for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically across recent sets, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — until this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble numerous companions on the quest to bring back peace to the four nations, so there's no better way to represent that through an Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After its first set reveal, here are previews at an Ally plus one Shrine card from the new ATLA set.

Teo: The Beloved Character

This character stands as a cherished supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom that lived in an Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's prowess with mechanics, Teo can soar in the air with a flying device, and dares Aang in a flying contest.

This card Teo represents his love for flying and the Earth Tribe's use of flying machines by allowing you draw and discard each time you attack with an airborne unit, while also pumping your creatures via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, depending on how many Shrine cards you control.

It also removes one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like a strong card, considering the card's low cost plus valuable ETB effect.

A major drawback of Shrine decks outside of Commander is the fact that these cards are always Legendary, however this card can be great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently when crossover products have been receiving significant backlash from fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar could be exactly what MTG needs.

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