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MTG players frequently adopt tribe-based decks — who hasn't constructed an elf deck before? — while the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release is reintroducing 2 well-known examples which align seamlessly to the flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One first mechanic, known as "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar set and provides buffs whenever more permanents bearing the Ally subtype enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents another enchantment subtype that originated in Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also become power when you controls additional of them in play.

The Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have been shown up sporadically across recent sets, the Ally mechanic has been far less common — but that changes in ATLA, in which the feature gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to gather many friends on the quest to bring back balance across the world, so there's no better way to reflect this in an Magic set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After its first card announcement, below is a look at an Ally plus one Shrine card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is one cherished minor character from ATLA, a boy of Earth Kingdom who resided in the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a disaster, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his father's skill with engineering, he can soar in the air using a flying device, and challenges Aang to an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's passion of flying along with the Earth Tribe's use on gliders by allowing you loot each time you attack with a flying creature, while additionally boosting your creatures via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life when entering the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

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

This appears to be an impactful card, considering the card's cheap mana cost plus good ETB ability.

A major weakness for Shrine decks outside of EDH is the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, but this card can be effective when paired alongside another Shrine, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond products have been garnering a lot of hate from the community, an iconic franchise like Avatar can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, and all cards set to be launched November 21st.