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Magic: The Gathering players often embrace tribe-based tactics — who hasn't assembled a zombie deck once or twice? — while the forthcoming ATLA crossover release revives two beloved examples which match seamlessly with its flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

The initial ability, known as "Allies," was debuted in a Zendikar set which grants bonuses whenever more creatures bearing this subtype enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based subtype that first appeared in Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines also gain strength as you controls additional of them on the battlefield.

The Return for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrines have shown up here and there in newer sets, the Ally subtype was much rarer — until that changes with ATLA, in which the feature is central.

Aang must gather a lot of allies during the journey to bring back balance to the four nations, and there's no better way to reflect this in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following its first set reveal, here are previews of an Allies and one Shrine card from the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

This character is one cherished minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided in the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined in a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's prowess in mechanics, Teo can soar in the air using a flying device, and dares Aang to a flying contest.

This card Teo showcases his fondness of the skies along with his tribe's use on gliders by letting the player loot whenever a player attacks with a flying creature, while additionally pumping your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total upon entering play, based on the number of Shrines you control.

It also drains one more point whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

It appears to be a powerful card, considering the card's low cost plus valuable ETB effect.

A major weakness of Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander are that Shrines are always Legendary, however this card is effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Timely Crossover

Currently when crossover sets are garnering a lot of backlash by the community, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season is already here, with the full set set to be launched November 21st.