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Magic: The Gathering players frequently adopt tribe-based strategies — what player hasn't assembled a zombie strategy before? — while this new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release revives 2 beloved mechanics that fit perfectly to the setting.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The initial ability, named "Allies," first debuted with a Zendikar which grants bonuses each time additional creatures with the Ally subtype enter play.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment type that first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments also become strength when you owns additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return of the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically across recent sets, Allies mechanic has been seldom seen — until that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature gets heavily featured.

Aang has to gather numerous allies during his quest to restore peace across the four nations, so it's no more fitting way to show that through a Magic set.

Exclusive Card Preview

After the initial card announcement, below are a look of one Ally plus a Shrine cards in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

Teo stands as a beloved supporting character from ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom who resided in an Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's prowess in engineering, Teo is able to soar through the skies using a flying device, and dares the Avatar to a flying race.

The card Teo reproduces Teo's fondness of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's use of flying machines by allowing the player draw and discard each time a player attacks with a flying creature, while also boosting your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, it appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total upon entering play, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

The card furthermore drains an additional life anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

It appears to be a strong card, considering its cheap cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

One big drawback of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander is the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, however this card is effective when paired with another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond products have been garnering significant hate by the community, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

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