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Magic: The Gathering fans frequently embrace tribe-based strategies — who hasn't constructed an elf strategy once or twice? — and this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set brings back two well-known examples which fit perfectly to its flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One initial mechanic, called "Ally," was introduced in the Zendikar and grants boosts whenever more permanents with this type enter the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based subtype that first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise become abilities when you has more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have shown up here and there across newer sets, Allies subtype has been much rarer — but this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the mechanic is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to gather many allies on his quest to restore peace across the world, so there's no better method to show this through a Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

After its initial card reveal, here is previews at an Ally plus a Shrine card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Beloved Figure

Teo stands as one popular minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe that lived in an Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's expertise with engineering, he is able to soar through the skies using a flying device, even challenges Aang to a flying contest.

This card Teo represents his passion for flying along with his tribe's use on gliders by allowing the player loot each time a player attacks using an airborne creature, and also boosting your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

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

It also drains one more point whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

It looks like a strong card, considering its low cost and good ETB effect.

One major weakness of Shrine-based strategies outside of Commander are the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, however this card can be great in combination alongside another Shrine, which drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond products are receiving significant hate from the community, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what MTG needs.

Preview period is already here, with the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.