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MTG players consistently adopt tribal tactics — what player has not assembled a goblin strategy before? — while the upcoming ATLA crossover set is reintroducing two popular examples which align seamlessly to the theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first ability, known as "Ally," first debuted in the Zendikar set which provides boosts whenever more creatures with the Ally type come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is an enchantment type that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also gain strength as a player controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have appeared sporadically in recent sets, the Ally subtype has been far less common — but that changes in ATLA, where this mechanic gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble a lot of allies during his journey to restore balance across the world, so it's no better way to show this through an Magic set.

Revealed Card Preview

Following its initial card announcement, here is previews of an Ally plus a Shrine cards from the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

Teo stands as a cherished supporting figure from ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe who resided at an Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's expertise with mechanics, Teo is able to soar in the air with a flying device, even dares the Avatar in an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's fondness for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines by letting you draw and discard each time a player attacks with a flying unit, and additionally pumping your creatures with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, this appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life upon coming into play, based on how many Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore removes one more point anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like an impactful card, considering the card's low cost plus valuable ETB effect.

A big weakness for Shrine decks outside of Commander is that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however this card can be effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently when crossover sets have been garnering significant criticism from the community, a beloved series like Avatar can be precisely what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, with the full set set to be released November 21st.