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Magic: The Gathering players consistently adopt tribe-based tactics — who has not constructed a goblin deck once or twice? — and this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release revives 2 popular mechanics that fit perfectly with its theme.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

One initial ability, called "Allies," first introduced with a Zendikar set which grants buffs each time more permanents with the Ally type enter the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is another enchantment subtype which originated in Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become strength as a player owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have been shown up here and there in recent sets, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — until this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must assemble many companions on the quest to restore peace across the world, and there's no better way to represent that in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following its first set reveal, below are a look at an Ally and one Shrine card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

Teo stands as one beloved minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe who lived at the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's skill in engineering, Teo can fly through the skies with a flying device, and challenges the Avatar to a flying race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his fondness of flying and his tribe's reliance on gliders by letting the player draw and discard each time a player attacks using an airborne creature, while additionally strengthening your creatures with counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life when entering the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you have.

The card also drains one more point whenever another Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be an impactful addition, considering the card's cheap mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One major weakness of Shrine-based decks outside of Commander is the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however this card can be great when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

At a time when crossover sets are receiving a lot of hate by fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar could be exactly what MTG needs.

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