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MTG enthusiasts often enjoy tribal decks — what player has not constructed an elf deck once or twice? — and this forthcoming ATLA crossover release brings back two well-known mechanics which align seamlessly with the theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first mechanic, named "Ally," first introduced with the Zendikar set which grants bonuses whenever more permanents bearing this subtype enter the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is an enchantment type that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise gain strength when you has more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback for the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have been appeared here and there across recent releases, Allies subtype was seldom seen — until that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic gets prominently used.

Aang has to gather many allies on the quest to bring back peace across the world, and there's no more fitting method to reflect this in a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following the initial set reveal, below is previews of one Ally and a Shrines card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

This character stands as a cherished minor character in ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided at an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his father's prowess in mechanics, he can glide through the skies with a flying device, even challenges the Avatar in an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his love for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders through allowing the player loot whenever a player attacks with a flying creature, while additionally strengthening your team with counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, this appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life when coming into play, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

It furthermore removes an additional life whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be an impactful card, given the card's cheap cost plus valuable ETB effect.

A big drawback for Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH is the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be effective in combination alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond sets have been receiving significant criticism from the community, an iconic franchise like Avatar can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, with all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.