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Magic: The Gathering fans often embrace tribal strategies — what player hasn't built a goblin strategy at some point? — and this new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set brings back two popular mechanics that match perfectly to the setting.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The first mechanic, called "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar which provides bonuses each time more permanents bearing the Ally subtype enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents another enchantment subtype which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines also become abilities as you controls additional of them in play.

The Return for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have shown up occasionally in newer releases, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — but this ends in ATLA, in which this mechanic gets heavily featured.

Aang has to recruit many allies during his quest to restore peace across the world, so there's no more fitting way to reflect this through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

After its first card reveal, below are previews at an Allies plus a Shrine cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as one beloved supporting character in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe who lived at the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined in a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's prowess with mechanics, Teo can fly in the air using his glider, and dares Aang in an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his fondness of the skies and the Earth Tribe's use on gliders by allowing you loot whenever you attack with a flying creature, while additionally pumping your creatures via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

It also removes an additional life whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like a strong addition, considering its low cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

One major weakness of Shrine decks in formats besides Commander are the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is effective in combination alongside another Shrine, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time when crossover sets have been garnering a lot of criticism from fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar can be exactly just what MTG requires.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set will be released on Nov. 21.