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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often embrace tribe-based decks — what player has not constructed a zombie strategy at some point? — while this forthcoming ATLA crossover set is reintroducing two well-known examples that align seamlessly with the theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first ability, called "Allies," first debuted in the Zendikar set which gives boosts each time more creatures with the Ally type come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based type that originated in Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines also become abilities as a player has additional of them on the battlefield.

The Return for the Ally Ability

While Shrines have appeared here and there in recent releases, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature is heavily featured.

Aang has to gather many friends on his quest to restore peace across the four nations, so it's no better way to represent this in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After the initial card announcement, here are previews of one Allies plus a Shrine cards in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo stands as a cherished supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe that resided in the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined by a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's skill with mechanics, he can fly through the skies using his glider, and challenges Aang to an aerial race.

The card Teo reproduces Teo's love of flying and his tribe's use of flying machines through letting the player loot whenever a player attacks with a flying creature, while additionally strengthening your creatures via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, it is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total upon entering play, based on the number of Shrines you have.

The card also removes an additional life whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

This appears to be a powerful addition, given its low cost plus good ETB effect.

A major weakness for Shrine-based strategies outside of Commander is that these cards are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently while crossover products have been receiving a lot of criticism from the community, a beloved series like Avatar could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, and all cards set to be launched November 21st.