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MTG fans consistently enjoy tribal decks — what player hasn't built an elf deck before? — and the forthcoming ATLA crossover release revives 2 beloved examples which align perfectly to its flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial ability, called "Allies," was introduced in a Zendikar set and provides buffs whenever more permanents with the Ally type enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based type which originated with Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, Shrines likewise become abilities as a player controls additional of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback of Allies Ability

Although Shrines have appeared sporadically in recent sets, Allies mechanic was much rarer — but that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit numerous friends on his quest to bring back peace to the world, and there's no better method to represent that in a Magic set.

Revealed Card Preview

After its initial set reveal, below is previews at an Ally and one Shrine cards in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo: A Beloved Character

Teo is one cherished supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe that resided in an Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his father's prowess with mechanics, he is able to fly through the skies with a flying device, even challenges the Avatar in a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his passion for the skies along with his tribe's use on gliders by allowing you draw and discard whenever a player attacks with an airborne creature, while additionally strengthening your team via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's home, it appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, depending on how many Shrine cards you control.

It also removes an additional life whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be a strong card, considering the card's cheap mana cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

A major drawback for Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH are the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, but this card is great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond sets are garnering a lot of backlash from the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, and the full set set to be launched November 21st.