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MTG fans often embrace tribal decks — who hasn't built a goblin strategy once or twice? — and this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set revives two popular mechanics that fit perfectly with the theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The initial mechanic, called "Allies," first debuted with the Zendikar set and grants buffs each time additional creatures with the Ally subtype come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based type that first appeared in Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines also become strength when you owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically across newer releases, the Ally mechanic was much rarer — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature is prominently used.

Aang must assemble many companions on the quest to bring back balance to the four nations, and there's no better method to represent that in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following its first set reveal, below is a look of an Allies plus one Shrine cards in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Beloved Character

Teo stands as a cherished supporting character from ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom who lived in an Air Temple following his village was ruined in a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's expertise in engineering, he can glide in the air with his glider, and dares Aang in an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his fondness for flying and his tribe's reliance of flying machines by letting the player loot each time a player attacks using a flying unit, while additionally boosting your creatures via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you control.

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

This appears to be a powerful card, considering the card's low cost and good ETB effect.

One big drawback for Shrine decks in formats besides Commander are that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is effective when paired with another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond sets are garnering significant hate by fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, with all cards will be released on Nov. 21.