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Magic: The Gathering players frequently embrace tribal tactics — what player hasn't built an elf deck once or twice? — and the forthcoming ATLA crossover release brings back two well-known mechanics that match perfectly to the theme.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

One initial mechanic, named "Ally," first introduced in a Zendikar which grants boosts whenever more permanents bearing this type enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based type that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain strength when you has additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been shown up sporadically in recent sets, Allies subtype was far less common — but that ends with ATLA, where the mechanic is heavily featured.

Aang must recruit numerous allies during his journey to bring back balance across the world, and there's no more fitting way to reflect that in an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following the initial set announcement, below is previews of one Ally plus one Shrines cards in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character is one beloved supporting character from ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe who lived in an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's expertise with mechanics, Teo can soar in the air with a flying device, and dares the Avatar in a flying race.

The card Teo showcases Teo's passion for the skies and his tribe's use of flying machines by letting you draw and discard whenever you attack using a flying creature, while also strengthening your team with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's home, this is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you have.

The card also removes one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like an impactful card, given the card's cheap cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

A big drawback of Shrine strategies outside of Commander is that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but this card can be effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

At a time when crossover products are garnering significant hate from fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar can be precisely what MTG requires.

Spoiler season has begun, with all cards will be released on Nov. 21.