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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often adopt tribe-based decks — what player has not assembled a goblin deck at some point? — and this forthcoming ATLA crossover release is reintroducing 2 well-known examples that align perfectly with its setting.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One initial ability, known as "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar set and gives boosts each time more creatures bearing this subtype enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment type which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not a creature tribe, Shrines also become abilities when you controls more of them in play.

The Comeback of the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have shown up here and there in newer releases, Allies mechanic has been far less common — but this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic is central.

Aang must assemble a lot of allies during the quest to restore balance to the world, so it's no better way to reflect that through a Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following the first card announcement, below is a look at one Ally and a Shrines cards in the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is a beloved minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided in the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined by a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's prowess in mechanics, Teo is able to glide through the skies using a flying device, even dares the Avatar in a flying contest.

The card Teo showcases Teo's fondness of the skies along with his tribe's use on gliders through allowing the player draw and discard whenever you attack using a flying unit, and additionally pumping your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, this is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

The card furthermore drains an additional life whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This looks like a powerful addition, considering the card's low mana cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

A big drawback of Shrine decks in formats besides EDH is the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is effective in combination with another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently when crossover products are garnering a lot of criticism by the community, a beloved series like Avatar could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, and all cards will be released November 21st.