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MTG enthusiasts frequently embrace tribal strategies — what player hasn't constructed an elf deck at some point? — and the forthcoming ATLA crossover release revives 2 popular examples that align seamlessly with the theme.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

One initial mechanic, called "Allies," was introduced with the Zendikar which grants boosts whenever more creatures bearing the Ally type enter the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents an enchantment subtype that first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also become strength when you controls more Shrines in play.

A Comeback for the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have appeared sporadically across newer sets, Allies mechanic has been far less common — until this ends with ATLA, in which this feature gets central.

Aang has to gather many allies on the quest to restore peace across the four nations, so it's no more fitting way to reflect this in an Magic set.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following its first card announcement, below is previews of one Allies and a Shrine cards from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is a cherished minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe who lived at an Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's expertise with engineering, Teo is able to soar in the air with his glider, even dares Aang in an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his love for flying and his tribe's reliance on flying machines through letting you draw and discard whenever a player attacks with an airborne unit, while additionally boosting your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

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

The card furthermore removes an additional point anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like a powerful addition, considering its cheap cost and good ETB ability.

A big weakness of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH are that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently when crossover products have been garnering a lot of hate from fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what MTG requires.

Preview period is already here, with the full set set to be released November 21st.