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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently embrace tribe-based tactics — who has not constructed a zombie deck once or twice? — and the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release is reintroducing two well-known examples which match perfectly with its setting.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One initial ability, called "Allies," first introduced in the Zendikar and gives buffs whenever additional creatures bearing the Ally subtype come onto play.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based subtype which originated with Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also become strength as you has more Shrines in play.

The Return of Allies Ability

While Shrines have been shown up here and there in newer sets, the Ally subtype has been far less common — until that ends in ATLA, in which this feature is heavily featured.

Aang must gather many allies during the journey to bring back balance to the world, so it's no more fitting way to reflect that through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following its initial set announcement, below are previews at one Allies and one Shrine cards from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is a cherished minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom that resided at an Air Temple after his village was destroyed in a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his father's prowess with mechanics, Teo is able to fly in the air with his glider, and dares the Avatar to a flying race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his fondness for flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines through allowing you loot each time you attack using a flying creature, while additionally pumping your creatures via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life when entering play, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore removes an additional life anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be a powerful addition, given its cheap mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A big weakness of Shrine-based strategies outside of Commander are that these cards are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

At a time when crossover sets have been receiving significant hate from the community, a beloved series like Avatar could be exactly what MTG needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set will be released on Nov. 21.