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MTG players consistently adopt tribe-based strategies — what player has not built an elf strategy before? — while the new ATLA crossover set brings back two well-known mechanics which align seamlessly with the theme.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

One first ability, known as "Allies," was introduced in the Zendikar which provides bonuses whenever more permanents with this subtype enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is an enchantment type which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines likewise gain strength when you controls more of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback of Allies Ability

Although Shrines have been shown up here and there in recent releases, the Ally subtype has been far less common — until that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature gets central.

Aang has to gather many allies on his quest to bring back peace across the world, so it's no more fitting way to represent this through an Magic set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After its first set announcement, below are a look of one Allies and a Shrines cards in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is a beloved supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe who resided at the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined by a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Because of his father's expertise with engineering, Teo is able to glide through the skies with a flying device, even challenges Aang to an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his fondness of flying along with his tribe's use of gliders through letting you draw and discard whenever you attack using an airborne creature, while also pumping your creatures via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, this is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total upon entering play, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

It furthermore drains one more life anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like a powerful card, given the card's low cost and valuable ETB ability.

A major weakness of Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander are that these cards are always Legendary, but this card can be effective when paired with another Shrine, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently when crossover products have been garnering significant hate from the community, an iconic franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period is already here, with the full set will be launched November 21st.