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MTG players often adopt tribe-based tactics — what player has not constructed an elf strategy at some point? — and this new ATLA crossover release brings back two popular mechanics which match perfectly to its theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first mechanic, known as "Ally," was introduced in the Zendikar which gives buffs each time more creatures with this type come onto the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based type which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become abilities when you owns additional of them in play.

A Return of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have been appeared here and there across recent sets, the Ally mechanic has been seldom seen — until this changes in ATLA, in which the mechanic gets central.

The protagonist Aang must assemble a lot of friends during the journey to bring back peace across the four nations, so there's no better way to represent this in a Magic set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After its first card announcement, here is a look of an Allies plus a Shrine card in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

Teo stands as a beloved supporting figure from ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe that resided in an Air Temple following his home was ruined by a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's prowess in engineering, Teo is able to soar through the skies using his glider, and dares Aang in an aerial race.

This card Teo represents Teo's passion of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's use on gliders by letting the player draw and discard each time you attack using a flying unit, and additionally strengthening your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, this appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore removes an additional life whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

This appears to be a powerful card, given the card's low cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

A big weakness for Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH are that these cards are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Crossover

Currently when crossover products have been garnering significant hate from fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, and all cards set to be launched on Nov. 21.