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Magic: The Gathering fans consistently adopt tribal strategies — what player hasn't constructed an elf deck at some point? — while the new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release brings back two well-known mechanics that align perfectly with the flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

The first mechanic, named "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar which grants buffs each time additional creatures with the Ally subtype come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based subtype which originated with Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, Shrines also become power as a player owns more of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have been appeared sporadically across newer sets, the Ally mechanic was seldom seen — but this changes in ATLA, where the mechanic gets heavily featured.

Aang must assemble a lot of allies on the quest to restore balance across the world, and it's no more fitting way to show this through a Magic set.

Exclusive Card Preview

After the first card reveal, here is a look at an Ally plus a Shrine card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is a beloved supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe who resided in an Air Temple following his village was ruined by a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.

Because of his father's skill in mechanics, Teo is able to glide in the air with a flying device, and challenges Aang in a flying race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his passion for flying and his tribe's use of gliders by letting you draw and discard each time you attack using a flying creature, while also pumping your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, it is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life upon coming into play, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

It also removes an additional point anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like an impactful card, given its low cost plus good ETB effect.

A major drawback for Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander is that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond sets have been garnering significant backlash by the community, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what MTG requires.

Preview period is already here, with all cards set to be released on Nov. 21.