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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often enjoy tribal decks — who has not assembled a zombie deck once or twice? — while this new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release brings back two well-known mechanics that match perfectly to the flavor.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

One initial ability, known as "Ally," first introduced in the Zendikar set which provides buffs each time more creatures bearing the Ally type come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based subtype that originated in Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise gain strength when you controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback for the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have appeared occasionally in recent releases, the Ally subtype has been far less common — until that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature gets central.

Aang must gather many allies on the quest to restore balance across the four nations, and it's no more fitting way to reflect that through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

After the initial set reveal, below is previews of an Allies plus a Shrines cards in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is one cherished minor character in ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe that resided in the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's skill with mechanics, he is able to fly through the skies using a flying device, and dares Aang in an aerial contest.

The card Teo reproduces his fondness for the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines by letting the player draw and discard whenever you attack using an airborne creature, and also pumping your creatures with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, it is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total when entering play, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

It also drains an additional life whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This appears to be a powerful addition, considering the card's low mana cost and good ETB effect.

One major drawback of Shrine decks in formats besides EDH are that these cards are always Legendary, however this card can be effective when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond products are receiving significant backlash by fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar could be exactly just what MTG needs.

Preview period is already here, and all cards will be released on Nov. 21.