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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often enjoy tribe-based tactics — what player has not constructed a zombie strategy before? — and the upcoming ATLA crossover release revives 2 popular mechanics that align seamlessly to its theme.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One first mechanic, called "Allies," was introduced with the Zendikar and gives bonuses whenever more permanents with the Ally type enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based type which originated in Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain power as you controls additional of them in play.

The Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have appeared sporadically in newer sets, the Ally mechanic has been much rarer — until this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic gets prominently used.

Aang has to recruit a lot of allies on his journey to bring back balance to the four nations, so there's no more fitting way to show this in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

After its initial card announcement, below are previews of one Ally and one Shrine cards from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as one beloved minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of Earth Kingdom who resided at an Air Temple after his village was destroyed in a disaster, which left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's expertise with mechanics, he can fly in the air using his glider, and dares the Avatar in a flying contest.

This card Teo reproduces Teo's love for flying and his tribe's use of flying machines through letting the player loot each time you attack using an airborne creature, and also strengthening your team with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's home, it is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you control.

It furthermore drains an additional life anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be a strong addition, given its cheap mana cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

One big weakness of Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander is the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently while crossover products have been receiving significant hate from fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what MTG requires.

Preview period has begun, and the full set set to be released November 21st.