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MTG fans consistently enjoy tribal strategies — who has not built a zombie deck once or twice? — and this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release revives 2 well-known mechanics which match seamlessly to its setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial ability, named "Allies," was debuted with the Zendikar set which grants bonuses whenever more creatures with this subtype enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment subtype which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become power as you owns more Shrines in play.

The Return for Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have been shown up occasionally across newer releases, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — until this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must gather numerous friends during the quest to restore balance to the world, and it's no more fitting way to reflect this through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following the first card announcement, below is a look at one Allies and a Shrine cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as a cherished minor figure in ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe that lived at the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined in a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's skill in mechanics, Teo is able to glide through the skies with his glider, even dares Aang in an aerial race.

The card Teo represents Teo's love of the skies and his tribe's use of flying machines by allowing the player loot whenever you attack with a flying creature, and also pumping your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, it is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you control.

It also removes one more point whenever another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like a powerful card, considering its low mana cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

One major weakness for Shrine decks in formats besides Commander is that these cards are always Legendary, however this card can be effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Timely Crossover

At a time when crossover products have been receiving significant criticism by fans, an iconic series such as Avatar can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with all cards will be released November 21st.