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Magic: The Gathering players often enjoy tribe-based decks — who hasn't constructed a zombie deck before? — while this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release is reintroducing 2 beloved examples which fit seamlessly to its theme.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The initial mechanic, known as "Ally," first introduced in a Zendikar and grants buffs whenever more permanents with the Ally type enter the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents another enchantment subtype which first appeared in Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments also become strength as a player controls more Shrines in play.

The Comeback of Allies Ability

While Shrines have been appeared sporadically across newer releases, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — until that changes in ATLA, where the mechanic gets central.

Aang has to assemble a lot of companions on his journey to restore peace across the four nations, so it's no better method to show this through an Magic set.

Revealed Card Preview

Following its initial card announcement, below is a look of an Allies plus a Shrine cards in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is a cherished supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe who resided in an Air Temple after his village was ruined in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's skill with mechanics, Teo is able to glide through the skies using his glider, and dares the Avatar to an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's love for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines through allowing you draw and discard whenever you attack with a flying unit, and also boosting your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, this appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life when entering play, based on the number of Shrines you control.

The card also removes an additional life anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It looks like a powerful addition, given the card's cheap cost plus valuable ETB ability.

One big drawback of Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander are the fact that these cards are always Legendary, however this card can be great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond products have been receiving significant criticism by the community, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, and the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.