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MTG players frequently enjoy tribal tactics — who has not assembled a goblin deck once or twice? — while this new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release brings back 2 popular examples which fit seamlessly with its flavor.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The first ability, known as "Ally," first introduced with a Zendikar set which grants buffs whenever additional creatures bearing this type come onto the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based subtype which first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also become power when a player owns additional of them on the battlefield.

The Return for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been shown up sporadically across newer releases, Allies subtype was seldom seen — but this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must assemble a lot of companions on the quest to bring back balance to the world, so it's no more fitting way to represent that through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following the first set reveal, here is previews at one Ally and a Shrines cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as a beloved supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom who lived at an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's skill with mechanics, Teo can fly in the air with a flying device, and challenges Aang in an aerial contest.

This card Teo reproduces Teo's fondness of flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines by allowing you loot whenever a player attacks using a flying creature, while additionally strengthening your creatures via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, this is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total when entering play, based on the number of Shrines you control.

It also removes one more life whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like an impactful addition, considering the card's low mana cost and valuable ETB ability.

A big drawback of Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH are the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is great when paired with another Shrine, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond products are receiving a lot of hate by fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, and all cards will be released November 21st.