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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often embrace tribal decks — who hasn't constructed an elf deck at some point? — while this new ATLA crossover set is reintroducing 2 beloved mechanics which align seamlessly with the setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial ability, known as "Allies," was introduced with the Zendikar set and gives buffs each time more creatures with the Ally subtype come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based type which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain power as a player has more of them in play.

The Comeback for Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have shown up here and there in newer sets, Allies mechanic has been far less common — but that changes in ATLA, where this mechanic gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to gather numerous companions during the quest to bring back balance to the world, and it's no more fitting way to represent this through an Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

Following its initial set announcement, below is previews of one Allies plus one Shrine cards from the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is a beloved supporting character in ATLA, a boy of Earth Kingdom that resided at the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's expertise with mechanics, Teo can fly in the air using a flying device, and challenges Aang in an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's love for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines by letting you loot each time a player attacks with an airborne unit, and also strengthening your team via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, it is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card also removes an additional point whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

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

A big weakness of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH is that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond sets have been garnering significant criticism from the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with all cards will be released on Nov. 21.