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MTG enthusiasts frequently adopt tribal decks — what player hasn't built a goblin strategy at some point? — while the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release revives 2 well-known mechanics that match perfectly with the flavor.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

One initial ability, known as "Allies," first debuted in the Zendikar and provides boosts whenever more creatures bearing the Ally subtype enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based subtype which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain strength when you has additional of them in play.

A Return for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrines have appeared here and there in recent releases, Allies subtype has been much rarer — but that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must assemble many friends on the journey to restore peace across the four nations, and it's no better method to represent that through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

After its initial card announcement, below is a look at an Allies plus a Shrines card from the new ATLA set.

Teo: The Beloved Character

Teo is a beloved minor character from ATLA, a boy of Earth Kingdom that resided at an Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's skill with mechanics, Teo is able to fly through the skies using his glider, even challenges the Avatar in an aerial race.

This card Teo reproduces his fondness of the skies along with his tribe's use on flying machines through allowing the player draw and discard whenever you attack with a flying creature, while also strengthening your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

It also drains one more life anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like a strong card, considering the card's low mana cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

A big drawback of Shrine decks outside of Commander is the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however this card can be effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

Currently while crossover products are receiving a lot of backlash from fans, an iconic series like Avatar could be precisely just what MTG requires.

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