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MTG players consistently enjoy tribal decks — who hasn't constructed a goblin strategy once or twice? — and the new ATLA crossover set revives 2 well-known mechanics which match seamlessly to the setting.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The first mechanic, called "Allies," first introduced with the Zendikar which grants boosts whenever more permanents with this subtype enter the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based type that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, these enchantments also gain power when you owns more of them on the battlefield.

A Return of the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally in recent sets, Allies subtype was seldom seen — but that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the mechanic is prominently used.

Aang must recruit a lot of friends during his quest to bring back peace across the world, and it's no more fitting method to show that through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Preview

Following the first card announcement, below is a look of an Allies and one Shrines card in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

Teo stands as a beloved supporting character in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe that resided in an Air Temple after his village was ruined in a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's prowess with engineering, Teo can glide through the skies with his glider, and dares Aang to an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's passion of the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines through letting the player loot each time you attack with an airborne unit, while additionally strengthening your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, it appears as the card Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon entering play, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

The card also removes one more point anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like a powerful addition, given its low cost and valuable ETB ability.

A big drawback of Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that these cards are always Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond sets have been receiving significant hate by the community, a beloved series like Avatar could be precisely what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, with the full set will be launched November 21st.