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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts consistently embrace tribal tactics — who has not constructed a goblin strategy once or twice? — and this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set brings back 2 beloved examples which align perfectly with the flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One first mechanic, called "Allies," first debuted in a Zendikar set which grants boosts whenever more creatures with the Ally type come onto play.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based subtype that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines likewise become power as a player owns more Shrines in play.

The Return for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have appeared here and there in newer sets, the Ally subtype has been far less common — until this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic is central.

Aang must assemble numerous allies during the quest to restore balance across the four nations, so there's no more fitting method to show this in a Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

After the first card reveal, here are a look of one Ally and a Shrines card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

Teo is a popular minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe that lived in the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined in a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his father's prowess in mechanics, he can glide through the skies using his glider, and dares Aang in a flying contest.

The card Teo showcases Teo's fondness for the skies and his tribe's reliance of flying machines through allowing the player loot whenever you attack with an airborne unit, while additionally boosting your creatures via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, it is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life when coming into play, based on how many Shrine cards you have.

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

It appears to be a strong card, given its low cost and good ETB effect.

One major weakness for Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH is that these cards are typically Legendary, however this card can be effective when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time when crossover sets are garnering significant criticism by fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

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