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MTG fans frequently adopt tribal decks — what player has not built a zombie deck at some point? — while this new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release revives two popular mechanics which align seamlessly with the flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

One initial ability, called "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar set which grants bonuses each time more permanents bearing the Ally subtype come onto play.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based subtype that originated in Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, Shrines also gain strength when a player controls more of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback for Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have shown up occasionally across newer sets, the Ally mechanic has been much rarer — until this ends in ATLA, where the feature is prominently used.

Aang has to assemble many companions on his quest to restore peace across the world, so there's no better way to represent that through a Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

After its first card reveal, here is a look at an Ally plus one Shrine cards from the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character is a beloved supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe who resided at an Air Temple after his home was ruined in a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's skill with mechanics, Teo is able to soar through the skies using his glider, even challenges the Avatar in an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his passion for flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines through letting the player draw and discard each time a player attacks with a flying unit, while additionally strengthening your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, this appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life when entering the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

It also drains one more point whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

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

One big drawback of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that these cards are always Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time while crossover sets are receiving significant backlash by fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, with the full set set to be released on Nov. 21.