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Magic: The Gathering players frequently embrace tribal strategies — what player hasn't built a zombie strategy once or twice? — while the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set is reintroducing two beloved mechanics that align seamlessly with the theme.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One initial mechanic, known as "Ally," first introduced with a Zendikar set and grants buffs each time additional permanents with the Ally type come onto the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based subtype that originated in Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become abilities when a player owns more Shrines in play.

The Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been shown up here and there in recent releases, Allies subtype was seldom seen — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature is prominently used.

Aang must gather a lot of companions during the quest to restore peace to the world, so it's no more fitting way to reflect that through an Magic set.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following its initial card announcement, here is a look at one Allies and a Shrine cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

Teo stands as one cherished supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided in an Air Temple after his village was ruined by a disaster, which left him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's skill in engineering, he can fly through the skies using a flying device, and dares Aang in an aerial race.

The card Teo showcases his love for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines through allowing the player draw and discard whenever a player attacks with a flying unit, and additionally pumping your creatures via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, this appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life when entering the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

The card also removes one more point whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be an impactful card, considering its low mana cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

A major weakness for Shrine-based decks outside of EDH is the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, but this card can be effective when paired alongside another Shrine, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond products have been receiving significant hate from fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period is already here, with the full set set to be released on Nov. 21.