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MTG players often adopt tribe-based tactics — what player has not built an elf strategy before? — while this forthcoming ATLA crossover release revives 2 well-known mechanics that fit seamlessly with its flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first mechanic, known as "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar set which gives bonuses whenever additional permanents bearing the Ally subtype enter play.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based subtype which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, Shrines also become strength as you controls more of them on the battlefield.

The Return for Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have appeared sporadically in newer releases, the Ally mechanic was much rarer — but that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature gets central.

Aang must recruit numerous friends during the journey to restore peace to the four nations, and it's no better way to reflect that in an Magic set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following the first set reveal, below are a look at an Allies plus one Shrines card in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo: A Beloved Figure

Teo stands as one cherished supporting character from ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided in an Air Temple after his home was ruined in a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Because of his father's expertise in engineering, Teo is able to soar in the air using his glider, and dares the Avatar in a flying contest.

This card Teo showcases his love of the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines through allowing the player loot each time you attack using an airborne unit, and also strengthening your creatures with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card also drains an additional point anytime a Shrine enters the field.

This looks like an impactful addition, considering the card's low mana cost and valuable ETB effect.

A big weakness of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander are that these cards are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond sets are receiving a lot of hate from the community, an iconic series like Avatar can be precisely just what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, and all cards will be released November 21st.