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Magic: The Gathering fans often embrace tribal decks — what player has not assembled a goblin strategy once or twice? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release is reintroducing two popular examples that match perfectly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The initial mechanic, named "Ally," first introduced with a Zendikar set which grants boosts each time additional permanents with this type come onto play.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based subtype which originated with Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise become abilities as a player controls additional of them in play.

A Return for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have shown up here and there in recent releases, Allies mechanic has been seldom seen — until that changes with ATLA, in which the mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must recruit numerous companions during the quest to restore balance to the four nations, so it's no better method to represent that through an Magic set.

Revealed Cards Preview

After the first set announcement, here is a look at one Allies and one Shrines card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is one cherished minor figure in ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe who resided at an Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's skill in mechanics, Teo can fly in the air with his glider, and dares the Avatar to an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's passion for the skies and his tribe's reliance on gliders by letting you draw and discard each time a player attacks using an airborne creature, while also strengthening your creatures with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's home, it is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life when entering play, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

The card furthermore drains an additional point whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like a strong card, considering the card's low cost plus good ETB effect.

A major drawback of Shrine-based decks outside of EDH is that these cards are typically Legendary, however this card is great when paired with another Shrine, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond sets have been receiving a lot of backlash from fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards will be released on Nov. 21.