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Magic: The Gathering players frequently enjoy tribal decks — what player has not built a zombie strategy before? — while this new ATLA crossover set brings back 2 well-known examples that match perfectly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first ability, named "Ally," first introduced in the Zendikar and gives boosts whenever additional permanents bearing the Ally type enter the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is another enchantment type which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain power when a player owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return of Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have appeared occasionally in newer sets, Allies mechanic was much rarer — but this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to gather numerous companions during the quest to restore balance to the world, and it's no better method to reflect this through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following its initial card announcement, below are a look of an Allies and one Shrine cards in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Character

Teo is a cherished minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom that lived at an Air Temple following his home was ruined by a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's skill in engineering, Teo can fly in the air using a flying device, and challenges Aang to an aerial race.

The card Teo reproduces his passion for the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders through letting you draw and discard each time a player attacks using an airborne creature, while additionally pumping your team with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you have.

The card also drains an additional life whenever a Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be an impactful card, considering the card's cheap cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

A big drawback of Shrine decks in formats besides EDH are that these cards are typically Legendary, however this card can be great in combination with another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

At a time when Universes Beyond sets have been receiving significant backlash from fans, an iconic series like Avatar can be exactly just what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, and the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.