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Magic: The Gathering players frequently embrace tribe-based strategies — who has not constructed a goblin strategy at some point? — and the forthcoming ATLA crossover set brings back two popular mechanics which fit seamlessly with the theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One initial mechanic, called "Allies," was debuted with a Zendikar set which grants bonuses each time more creatures bearing this subtype come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based type which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also become power as you owns more of them in play.

A Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have been appeared here and there in recent releases, Allies subtype was much rarer — until that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature is prominently used.

Aang has to gather a lot of companions during the quest to restore peace to the world, so there's no better method to show this in an Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following its first set announcement, below are previews at an Ally and a Shrine card in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Character

Teo stands as one cherished minor figure in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe that lived at the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's skill with mechanics, he can glide in the air using his glider, even dares the Avatar to an aerial race.

This card Teo reproduces his passion of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines by letting the player draw and discard each time you attack using a flying unit, while additionally pumping your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total upon coming into play, based on how many Shrine cards you have.

The card also drains one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like a powerful card, given the card's cheap mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

One big weakness for Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH is that these cards are always Legendary, however this card is effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

Currently when crossover products have been garnering a lot of criticism from fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with all cards set to be released November 21st.