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Magic: The Gathering players often enjoy tribal tactics — what player hasn't constructed a goblin deck at some point? — while this upcoming ATLA crossover release is reintroducing 2 beloved mechanics that fit seamlessly with the flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial mechanic, called "Ally," was introduced in the Zendikar which grants bonuses whenever additional creatures bearing the Ally type enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based type which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise become abilities as a player owns additional of them in play.

The Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have been appeared sporadically across recent releases, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — but that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic gets central.

Aang has to gather numerous companions during the journey to restore balance across the world, so there's no better method to show this through a Magic expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After the first set announcement, below are previews at an Allies plus a Shrines card in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

This character is a popular minor character in ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom that lived in an Air Temple after his village was destroyed in a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's expertise with mechanics, Teo can soar in the air using a flying device, and dares the Avatar to an aerial race.

This card Teo represents Teo's love for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's use on flying machines by allowing you loot whenever a player attacks with an airborne unit, while also strengthening your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life when coming into play, based on the number of Shrines you have.

The card also removes an additional point whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be a powerful card, considering its low cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A major drawback of Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH is that these cards are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is great in combination alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond sets are garnering a lot of criticism from the community, an iconic series like Avatar can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season is already here, and the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.