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Magic: The Gathering players consistently adopt tribe-based decks — who has not assembled a zombie deck once or twice? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release is reintroducing 2 well-known mechanics which align perfectly with the flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The initial mechanic, known as "Ally," first debuted with a Zendikar set which grants bonuses whenever more creatures bearing this type enter play.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is an enchantment type that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise become strength as you controls additional of them on the battlefield.

A Return for Allies Mechanic

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

The protagonist Aang must assemble numerous companions on the journey to bring back peace across the four nations, so it's no better way to reflect that in an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

After the first set reveal, below is a look at an Allies plus a Shrine cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is a popular supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided at an Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his father's expertise with engineering, Teo is able to glide through the skies with a flying device, even dares Aang to a flying race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's love of flying along with the Earth Tribe's use of gliders by allowing you draw and discard whenever you attack with an airborne creature, and also boosting your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's home, this appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life when entering play, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card also removes an additional life anytime a Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be an impactful card, considering the card's cheap cost and good ETB effect.

One major drawback of Shrine-based decks outside of EDH is the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, however this card is effective when paired with another Shrine, that drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time when crossover products have been garnering significant criticism by the community, an iconic franchise like Avatar can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, and all cards set to be launched on Nov. 21.