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MTG enthusiasts frequently embrace tribe-based decks — who has not assembled an elf deck at some point? — while this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set revives 2 well-known examples that fit perfectly to its flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The first mechanic, known as "Allies," was introduced in the Zendikar set which gives buffs whenever additional creatures with the Ally subtype enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based subtype which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also become strength when a player has more of them in play.

The Return for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrines have appeared here and there in recent releases, the Ally subtype was much rarer — but that changes in ATLA, where this mechanic is prominently used.

Aang has to recruit a lot of allies during the journey to bring back balance across the four nations, so it's no better method to show that in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following the first set announcement, below is a look of an Allies plus one Shrines card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as one popular minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom who lived in the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed in a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his father's skill in mechanics, Teo can fly through the skies using a flying device, and dares the Avatar to an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's passion for the skies and his tribe's use of gliders by letting you loot whenever you attack using an airborne unit, while additionally boosting your creatures with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, this is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

It also drains an additional point whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be a strong card, given the card's cheap cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

One big drawback of Shrine decks outside of EDH is the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be great when paired with another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time when crossover products are garnering significant criticism from the community, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards set to be launched on Nov. 21.