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MTG players often enjoy tribal strategies — who hasn't constructed an elf strategy once or twice? — while the new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set brings back two beloved examples that align perfectly with its setting.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One initial ability, known as "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar which gives buffs whenever additional creatures bearing this type enter the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based subtype that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines also become strength as a player owns more Shrines in play.

The Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been appeared here and there in recent sets, Allies subtype was much rarer — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to gather many allies during his quest to bring back balance across the world, so there's no better way to show this in an Magic set.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following its initial card reveal, below are a look of one Allies plus one Shrines card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character is one cherished minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe who lived at an Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's skill with engineering, he can glide through the skies using a flying device, and dares Aang to an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his passion for flying and the Earth Tribe's use of flying machines through allowing you draw and discard whenever you attack with an airborne creature, and additionally boosting your team via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, this appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life when entering the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you have.

It furthermore drains an additional point whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be an impactful addition, given the card's low cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

One big drawback for Shrine-based decks outside of Commander are the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however this card is effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently when crossover sets have been receiving a lot of backlash by the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set set to be released on Nov. 21.