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Magic: The Gathering players often adopt tribe-based decks — who has not assembled a zombie strategy at some point? — while the upcoming ATLA crossover release brings back two popular examples that align perfectly with its theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial ability, called "Ally," was debuted with the Zendikar and provides buffs each time additional creatures bearing this type come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is another enchantment subtype that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become strength as a player has more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrines have been shown up here and there in recent releases, Allies mechanic has been much rarer — but this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to gather numerous companions during the journey to restore balance across the four nations, so there's no better way to show this through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

After the first card reveal, here is previews at an Ally plus one Shrine card in the new ATLA set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as one popular supporting figure from ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom that resided at the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined in a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Due to his father's prowess in mechanics, Teo is able to glide through the skies using a flying device, even dares Aang in an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's fondness for flying along with his tribe's use of flying machines by letting you draw and discard each time you attack using a flying creature, while also strengthening your team with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, it appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life when entering the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

The card furthermore removes an additional point whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It looks like an impactful card, considering the card's cheap mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

One major weakness of Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH is the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is great in combination with another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond sets are receiving significant hate from the community, an iconic franchise like Avatar can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season is already here, and the full set will be released on Nov. 21.