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Magic: The Gathering players frequently embrace tribe-based strategies — who hasn't built a zombie strategy once or twice? — while the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release is reintroducing 2 popular mechanics which fit seamlessly to its theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial ability, known as "Allies," first debuted in a Zendikar which gives buffs whenever additional permanents with this type enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based type which originated in Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines likewise gain strength when you controls additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback for the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have been appeared here and there across recent sets, the Ally mechanic has been much rarer — but this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic gets prominently used.

Aang must recruit numerous allies during the journey to restore balance across the world, so there's no better method to show that in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After the initial card reveal, here are previews of an Allies and a Shrine card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is a popular supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom who lived at an Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his father's prowess in engineering, Teo can fly through the skies with a flying device, even dares Aang to an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his fondness of flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders by allowing you draw and discard each time a player attacks with an airborne unit, while additionally strengthening your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life when entering play, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

The card also removes an additional point whenever another Shrine enters the field.

It looks like a powerful addition, considering the card's cheap mana cost plus valuable ETB ability.

One big drawback for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be great when paired with another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time when Universes Beyond products have been receiving significant hate from the community, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what MTG requires.

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