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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts consistently adopt tribe-based tactics — who has not constructed a goblin strategy once or twice? — while the new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release is reintroducing two popular mechanics which match seamlessly with its theme.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The first mechanic, named "Allies," was introduced in a Zendikar and provides boosts each time more creatures with this subtype come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents an enchantment subtype which originated in Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, these enchantments also become strength when you owns additional Shrines in play.

A Comeback for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrines have shown up sporadically in newer releases, Allies mechanic has been seldom seen — until that ends with ATLA, where the mechanic is central.

Aang has to assemble many friends on the journey to restore balance across the four nations, so it's no more fitting method to reflect this in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After the initial set reveal, below are a look of an Ally and a Shrines cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is one popular supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe who lived at the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a disaster, which left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's expertise with mechanics, he can glide in the air using his glider, and challenges Aang in an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's love for the skies and his tribe's use of gliders through allowing you draw and discard whenever a player attacks with an airborne unit, while additionally strengthening your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his home, it appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life when entering the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

It also removes one more point whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like a powerful addition, given its low cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

One major drawback for Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander are that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be great when paired alongside another Shrine, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time while crossover sets are receiving a lot of backlash by the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar could be exactly just what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards set to be launched on Nov. 21.