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MTG players often enjoy tribe-based strategies — who hasn't constructed a goblin deck once or twice? — and this upcoming ATLA crossover release revives two popular mechanics which match perfectly to the theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial ability, called "Allies," was debuted with a Zendikar set which provides buffs each time more permanents with the Ally type come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is an enchantment subtype which first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise become strength when a player has more Shrines in play.

The Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have shown up occasionally in recent releases, the Ally mechanic was far less common — but that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature gets central.

The protagonist Aang must assemble numerous allies during the quest to restore peace across the world, so there's no more fitting method to show this through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

After the initial set announcement, below are a look of one Ally plus one Shrines card in the new ATLA set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is a popular supporting figure in ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided in the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined in a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's skill in mechanics, he is able to fly in the air using his glider, and challenges Aang in an aerial contest.

The card Teo represents his fondness for the skies along with his tribe's use on flying machines by allowing the player draw and discard each time you attack with an airborne unit, while also strengthening your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, it is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life when entering play, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card also removes one more point whenever another Shrine enters the field.

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

One major drawback of Shrine strategies outside of EDH is that Shrines are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be great in combination with another Shrine, which drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

At a time while crossover products have been garnering a lot of backlash by the community, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards set to be launched on Nov. 21.