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Magic: The Gathering players frequently adopt tribe-based tactics — what player has not assembled a goblin strategy before? — and this new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release revives two well-known mechanics which match seamlessly with its theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The initial ability, named "Ally," was introduced in the Zendikar set which provides boosts whenever additional permanents with the Ally subtype come onto play.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based subtype which originated in Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain power as you has more of them on the battlefield.

A Return for Allies Ability

While Shrine cards have appeared occasionally across newer releases, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — until that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature is prominently used.

Aang must assemble numerous allies on his quest to bring back balance to the four nations, so it's no better way to reflect that in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Preview

After the initial set reveal, here are previews at one Allies and one Shrines card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is a popular minor character in ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom that lived at an Air Temple following his home was ruined by a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his father's expertise with engineering, Teo is able to fly through the skies using a flying device, and challenges Aang in a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his passion for the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders by letting you draw and discard each time you attack with an airborne unit, and additionally strengthening your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of his home, it appears as the card Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life when entering play, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

It also removes one more point anytime another Shrine enters the field.

It looks like an impactful card, given the card's low mana cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

A major drawback of Shrine-based decks outside of EDH are the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently when crossover products have been garnering significant criticism from fans, an iconic series like Avatar could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season is already here, with the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.