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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts consistently enjoy tribe-based decks — what player has not built an elf strategy once or twice? — while the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set is reintroducing two beloved mechanics which align perfectly to its theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One first mechanic, named "Allies," first debuted with the Zendikar set and gives bonuses whenever more permanents bearing the Ally subtype come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is another enchantment type which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also gain power when you owns more of them in play.

The Comeback for the Ally Ability

While Shrines have been shown up occasionally in newer releases, Allies mechanic has been far less common — but this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature is heavily featured.

Aang has to recruit a lot of allies on his quest to bring back peace across the four nations, and it's no more fitting way to represent that in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following the first set announcement, below is a look of an Allies plus one Shrine cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Beloved Character

Teo is a popular minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe that resided in an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Due to his father's expertise in engineering, Teo can soar in the air with a flying device, and challenges the Avatar in a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his passion for the skies and his tribe's reliance of gliders by letting you draw and discard whenever a player attacks using a flying creature, and also pumping your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, it is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life upon entering play, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

It also removes one more point whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like a powerful card, given the card's low mana cost and good ETB effect.

A big drawback for Shrine decks in formats besides Commander is that these cards are typically Legendary, however this card is effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond sets are receiving a lot of hate by fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and the full set will be released on Nov. 21.