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MTG fans frequently embrace tribe-based decks — what player has not constructed a goblin strategy at some point? — and this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release revives two well-known mechanics which match perfectly to the flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

The first mechanic, called "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar and gives buffs whenever more creatures bearing the Ally type enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents an enchantment subtype that originated in Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, Shrines also become power when a player owns more of them in play.

A Comeback for Allies Ability

While Shrine cards have appeared occasionally in newer releases, the Ally mechanic has been much rarer — until this changes in ATLA, where this mechanic gets prominently used.

Aang has to gather numerous friends during his journey to restore peace to the world, so there's no more fitting way to reflect that through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following the first card announcement, here are previews at one Allies and one Shrines card in the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Character

Teo is one popular minor character in ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom that resided in the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined by a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his father's expertise in mechanics, he is able to glide through the skies using his glider, and challenges Aang in a flying race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his fondness of flying and his tribe's reliance on flying machines by allowing the player loot whenever you attack with an airborne unit, while additionally boosting your creatures with counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's home, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore removes an additional point anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

It appears to be a powerful addition, given the card's cheap mana cost plus valuable ETB ability.

One major weakness of Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH is the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond products are receiving a lot of backlash from fans, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

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