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MTG fans frequently adopt tribal decks — what player hasn't assembled a goblin deck once or twice? — and the upcoming ATLA crossover set is reintroducing 2 beloved mechanics that align seamlessly to its theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial ability, known as "Ally," was introduced with the Zendikar set and grants bonuses each time more creatures bearing this type enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is an enchantment type which originated with Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise become abilities as you owns more of them on the battlefield.

A Return for the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have appeared sporadically in recent releases, the Ally mechanic was much rarer — but this changes with ATLA, in which the mechanic is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must gather a lot of friends on the quest to bring back peace across the world, so it's no better method to show that in an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

After the initial card announcement, below is previews at one Ally and one Shrines cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as a popular minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe who lived at an Air Temple following his home was ruined by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his father's prowess in engineering, he can soar in the air using his glider, and challenges the Avatar in a flying race.

The card Teo reproduces Teo's fondness of flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders by letting the player loot each time a player attacks using a flying creature, while also boosting your creatures via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon entering play, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card furthermore drains an additional point whenever a Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be an impactful card, considering the card's cheap cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

One major weakness for Shrine strategies outside of Commander are that these cards are always Legendary, but this card can be effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time when crossover products have been garnering a lot of backlash from the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what MTG needs.

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