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Magic: The Gathering players often adopt tribal strategies — who hasn't constructed a zombie deck at some point? — while the forthcoming ATLA crossover set is reintroducing 2 beloved mechanics which match seamlessly to the flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The initial mechanic, named "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar set and gives boosts each time more permanents with the Ally type come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based type which first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise become power as you controls more of them in play.

The Comeback for Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have appeared occasionally in recent sets, Allies mechanic has been seldom seen — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature gets prominently used.

Aang must recruit a lot of friends on his journey to restore peace across the world, so there's no more fitting method to show that in a Magic set.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following its first card announcement, below is previews at one Allies plus one Shrine cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as one cherished supporting figure in ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom that lived at the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's prowess with mechanics, Teo can fly through the skies using his glider, and challenges the Avatar to a flying race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's fondness of the skies and the Earth Tribe's use on gliders through letting you loot each time you attack using an airborne creature, while also pumping your team with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's home, it is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

The card also removes an additional point whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This appears to be a strong addition, considering its cheap mana cost plus valuable ETB ability.

A big drawback of Shrine-based strategies outside of Commander is that these cards are always legendary permanents, however this card is effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently when crossover sets are garnering significant criticism from fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar could be exactly just what MTG requires.

Preview period has begun, with the full set will be launched November 21st.