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Magic: The Gathering fans consistently adopt tribe-based decks — who hasn't constructed a zombie deck at some point? — while the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release revives two well-known examples which align seamlessly with its flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial mechanic, named "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar set which grants bonuses each time additional creatures with this subtype come onto the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is an enchantment type that first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also gain strength when a player controls additional of them on the battlefield.

The Return for the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have been shown up sporadically in newer sets, the Ally mechanic has been much rarer — until this changes in ATLA, where this mechanic gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble a lot of allies during the quest to restore peace across the world, so there's no more fitting way to represent that through an Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

After its initial set announcement, here are previews of one Allies and a Shrine cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character is one popular supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe who lived at an Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's skill with engineering, Teo can fly in the air using a flying device, and dares the Avatar to a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's passion of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's use on gliders through allowing the player draw and discard whenever a player attacks with a flying creature, while additionally pumping your team via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine

Regarding his home, it appears as the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

It also removes an additional point whenever another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be a strong addition, considering its low cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

One major drawback for Shrine-based decks outside of Commander are the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond sets have been garnering significant hate from fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar can be precisely what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, and all cards will be released on Nov. 21.