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MTG fans often adopt tribe-based decks — what player hasn't assembled a goblin strategy at some point? — while this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release revives 2 popular examples which fit seamlessly to its setting.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The initial ability, named "Allies," first introduced with a Zendikar set and grants bonuses whenever additional creatures bearing the Ally type enter the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based type which originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also gain strength when a player owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return of Allies Ability

While Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically in recent sets, Allies subtype was seldom seen — but that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must assemble many companions during his journey to bring back balance to the four nations, so there's no better method to show this in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following the first card reveal, below is previews at one Allies plus one Shrine cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Beloved Character

This character stands as one popular minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom that lived at the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Because of his father's skill in engineering, Teo can glide through the skies with a flying device, and challenges Aang to an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's fondness for flying along with the Earth Tribe's use of flying machines through allowing you draw and discard each time a player attacks using an airborne creature, and also pumping your team with counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, this appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

It also drains an additional life whenever another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like an impactful addition, given its cheap mana cost plus good ETB ability.

One big weakness of Shrine decks in formats besides Commander is the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however this card can be great when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond sets are receiving significant backlash from the community, a beloved series such as Avatar can be precisely just what MTG requires.

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