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MTG players consistently embrace tribe-based strategies — who has not constructed a zombie strategy before? — while the new ATLA crossover release brings back 2 well-known mechanics that fit seamlessly to its setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial ability, known as "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar and provides bonuses whenever more permanents with this subtype come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based type which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, these enchantments also gain strength when you owns additional Shrines in play.

A Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have been shown up occasionally in recent releases, the Ally subtype was far less common — but this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must assemble a lot of companions during his quest to bring back peace to the world, and there's no better way to show this in a Magic set.

Revealed Card Preview

After its first card announcement, here are a look of one Allies plus a Shrine cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

This character is a cherished minor figure in ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom who resided in an Air Temple following his home was ruined by a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's expertise with mechanics, he is able to soar through the skies with his glider, even dares the Avatar to a flying race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's fondness of the skies and the Earth Tribe's use of gliders by letting the player loot whenever you attack with an airborne creature, while additionally pumping your creatures with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it appears in the card Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life when entering play, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

The card also drains one more life anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like a powerful card, given its low cost plus good ETB ability.

A major weakness for Shrine strategies outside of Commander are the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however this card is effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond sets are receiving a lot of criticism from fans, an iconic series such as Avatar can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards set to be launched November 21st.