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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often enjoy tribal strategies — who has not assembled a zombie deck at some point? — and the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release revives 2 well-known mechanics which fit perfectly to the flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first ability, called "Ally," was introduced in a Zendikar and grants buffs whenever more creatures bearing the Ally type enter the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents another enchantment type which originated with Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise become power as a player controls additional Shrines in play.

The Return of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally across recent releases, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic is prominently used.

Aang has to recruit many companions on his quest to restore balance to the world, so there's no more fitting method to reflect that through a Magic set.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following the first card reveal, here is a look at an Allies and one Shrines cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

Teo is one cherished supporting figure from ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe that resided at an Air Temple following his village was ruined in a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's skill with mechanics, he is able to fly through the skies with his glider, even dares the Avatar to a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his passion of the skies and his tribe's reliance on flying machines by letting you draw and discard whenever you attack with a flying creature, while also boosting your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life when coming into play, depending on the number of Shrines you have.

It furthermore drains an additional life whenever another Shrine enters the field.

It looks like a strong addition, considering the card's low mana cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

One big weakness for Shrine-based decks outside of EDH is that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Timely Crossover

At a time while crossover products have been receiving significant hate by the community, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period is already here, and all cards will be released November 21st.