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Magic: The Gathering players frequently embrace tribal strategies — who hasn't assembled a goblin strategy before? — while the new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release is reintroducing two beloved mechanics that match seamlessly to the theme.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

One initial ability, named "Ally," first introduced in the Zendikar and gives boosts each time more permanents with this subtype come onto play.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based type which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines also gain strength when a player controls more of them in play.

The Return for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally in newer sets, the Ally mechanic was much rarer — but this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic gets central.

The protagonist Aang must recruit numerous friends during the quest to restore peace across the world, so there's no more fitting method to reflect that through an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

After its initial set reveal, below are a look at one Allies plus one Shrines cards from the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

This character stands as a popular supporting character in ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom that resided in an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's expertise in engineering, Teo can fly in the air with a flying device, even dares the Avatar to a flying contest.

This card Teo represents his passion for the skies and his tribe's reliance on gliders by allowing you draw and discard each time you attack with an airborne creature, and additionally pumping your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine

Speaking of his home, it appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

It furthermore drains an additional point whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like a strong card, considering its low cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

A major weakness of Shrine strategies outside of EDH is the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is effective when paired with another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

Currently when crossover sets have been receiving a lot of hate from fans, a beloved series such as Avatar can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

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