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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts consistently enjoy tribal tactics — who has not built an elf strategy at some point? — and the upcoming ATLA crossover set is reintroducing two well-known examples which fit seamlessly with its setting.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One first ability, named "Allies," was introduced in a Zendikar set and grants boosts each time more permanents with this subtype come onto play.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based subtype that originated with Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise become abilities when you has additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback for Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have been shown up occasionally across recent releases, Allies subtype was far less common — until that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature gets central.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble a lot of friends during his quest to restore peace across the four nations, so it's no more fitting way to show that in an Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

Following the first card reveal, below are a look of one Ally plus a Shrine card from the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

Teo stands as a beloved minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe who lived at an Air Temple following his village was ruined in a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's prowess with engineering, Teo can soar through the skies with a flying device, and challenges the Avatar to an aerial race.

This card Teo showcases his fondness for the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders through allowing you draw and discard each time you attack with an airborne unit, while additionally boosting your team with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, it appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life when coming into play, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

It also drains an additional point whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like a strong card, considering its low cost plus good ETB ability.

One major weakness for Shrine-based decks outside of EDH are the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

Currently while crossover sets are receiving significant backlash from fans, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period has begun, and all cards will be released November 21st.