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Magic: The Gathering players often enjoy tribe-based decks — what player hasn't assembled a goblin deck before? — and this forthcoming ATLA crossover set brings back two well-known examples which match perfectly to its setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial ability, named "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar set and gives buffs whenever additional creatures with this subtype come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is an enchantment type which first appeared in Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain abilities as you controls more of them in play.

The Comeback for Allies Ability

While Shrines have been appeared here and there across newer sets, the Ally mechanic has been seldom seen — until this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic gets central.

The protagonist Aang must gather numerous friends on his quest to bring back peace across the world, and it's no better way to reflect that in a Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following the initial card announcement, here is a look at an Ally and one Shrine cards from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is a popular minor character from ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom that resided at the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, which left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's prowess in mechanics, he is able to soar through the skies with his glider, and challenges Aang in an aerial race.

This card Teo showcases Teo's passion of the skies and his tribe's reliance on flying machines through allowing the player draw and discard each time a player attacks using a flying creature, and additionally pumping your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Regarding his home, this appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life upon entering play, depending on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card furthermore drains one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This appears to be a powerful card, given the card's low cost and valuable ETB ability.

One big weakness for Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond sets are garnering a lot of backlash from fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar could be precisely just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, with the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.