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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently embrace tribal decks — what player hasn't assembled a zombie deck once or twice? — and the new ATLA crossover release is reintroducing two popular mechanics that fit seamlessly to the setting.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The initial mechanic, known as "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar set and gives boosts each time more permanents bearing the Ally subtype enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based type which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also become abilities as a player has more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have appeared here and there in newer releases, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — but that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble a lot of friends during his quest to restore balance to the four nations, and there's no better method to represent that through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following its initial set announcement, here is a look at one Allies plus one Shrines card in the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

Teo stands as a popular minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe who lived at the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's skill with mechanics, Teo can glide in the air with his glider, and dares Aang in a flying race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his fondness of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders through letting you loot whenever a player attacks with a flying creature, and additionally strengthening your team via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, it appears in the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

It furthermore removes one more life anytime another Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be a strong card, given the card's cheap mana cost and valuable ETB ability.

One big drawback of Shrine strategies outside of EDH is that these cards are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be great when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time while crossover products are receiving a lot of backlash from fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set will be launched November 21st.