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MTG fans often embrace tribe-based strategies — what player hasn't assembled a zombie strategy once or twice? — while the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release brings back 2 beloved examples that align seamlessly with its theme.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The first ability, known as "Allies," first debuted with a Zendikar set which grants buffs whenever additional creatures bearing this type come onto play.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based type that originated with Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also gain strength when a player owns more of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback of Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have appeared sporadically across recent sets, Allies subtype has been far less common — but this changes in ATLA, where this mechanic gets heavily featured.

Aang has to assemble numerous companions during his journey to restore balance across the world, and it's no better way to represent that through an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following the initial set reveal, here is previews of an Allies plus a Shrines cards in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as a cherished minor figure in ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe that lived at an Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a disaster, which left him unable to walk.

Because of his father's prowess with mechanics, he is able to glide through the skies using his glider, even dares Aang in a flying race.

The card Teo represents Teo's love for the skies and his tribe's reliance on flying machines through allowing you draw and discard whenever a player attacks with an airborne creature, while also boosting your team via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you control.

It furthermore drains one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be a strong addition, considering the card's cheap cost plus good ETB ability.

One big weakness for Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH is the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is effective when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

At a time when crossover sets have been receiving significant backlash by the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set will be released on Nov. 21.