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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often enjoy tribal decks — what player hasn't built a goblin deck once or twice? — and this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set revives 2 well-known mechanics that align perfectly with its flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

The first mechanic, known as "Ally," first introduced with the Zendikar and provides boosts whenever more creatures bearing this type enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based subtype that originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also gain power as a player owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback for Allies Ability

While Shrines have shown up sporadically in recent releases, the Ally mechanic has been far less common — but this changes in ATLA, where this feature gets central.

The protagonist Aang must assemble numerous allies during the journey to restore peace to the world, so it's no better way to reflect this in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following the first set reveal, here is a look at one Allies plus a Shrines card in the new ATLA release.

Teo: The Beloved Character

This character stands as one cherished minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe that resided at the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined by a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his father's prowess with mechanics, he is able to soar in the air using his glider, even challenges Aang to an aerial race.

This card Teo represents his fondness for flying and his tribe's reliance of flying machines by letting the player loot each time you attack using a flying unit, while additionally strengthening your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life upon coming into play, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

The card furthermore drains one more point whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like a strong addition, considering its cheap mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A major drawback for Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is great when paired with another Shrine, that drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

Currently while crossover sets have been receiving significant criticism by fans, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, and the full set will be released on Nov. 21.