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Magic: The Gathering players frequently embrace tribal strategies — who hasn't constructed a goblin deck once or twice? — while this upcoming ATLA crossover release is reintroducing two popular examples which align perfectly to its theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One first ability, known as "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar set which provides bonuses whenever additional creatures with this type come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is an enchantment subtype which originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain power when you has more of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback for Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have appeared here and there in newer sets, Allies mechanic was seldom seen — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must gather many companions on his quest to bring back peace across the world, and there's no more fitting way to show that in an Magic set.

Revealed Card Showcase

After its initial set reveal, below is a look at an Ally plus a Shrine card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as a beloved minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe that lived at an Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's expertise with mechanics, he is able to soar in the air with his glider, even dares the Avatar in an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's fondness for the skies and his tribe's use on gliders through letting you draw and discard each time you attack with a flying creature, and additionally boosting your creatures with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, this appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you control.

It furthermore removes one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

It appears to be an impactful addition, considering the card's low cost and good ETB ability.

One big drawback of Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH is that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but this card is effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently while crossover sets are receiving a lot of backlash from the community, an iconic series like Avatar can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period has begun, and the full set set to be released November 21st.