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MTG enthusiasts frequently enjoy tribal decks — what player has not assembled a zombie deck before? — while the forthcoming ATLA crossover release revives 2 well-known mechanics that match seamlessly to its flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial ability, called "Allies," was debuted with a Zendikar set which provides boosts whenever more creatures with this subtype come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is an enchantment type which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise become power as you owns more of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback of the Ally Ability

While Shrines have been appeared sporadically in newer sets, Allies mechanic was much rarer — but that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic gets prominently used.

Aang must assemble a lot of companions on the journey to bring back peace across the world, so there's no more fitting way to show that through an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following the initial set reveal, here are previews of one Ally and a Shrine card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

Teo is one popular supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of Earth Kingdom who lived in the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's skill with mechanics, Teo is able to fly in the air using a flying device, and dares the Avatar to a flying contest.

This card Teo reproduces Teo's fondness of flying and his tribe's reliance of flying machines by allowing the player draw and discard each time you attack using a flying unit, while also strengthening your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, this is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total upon entering play, based on how many of Shrines you have.

The card also drains an additional life anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It looks like a strong card, given its low cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

One big drawback for Shrine strategies outside of EDH are that these cards are typically Legendary, however this card is great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Timely Crossover

At a time when crossover products are garnering significant criticism from the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.

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