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Magic: The Gathering players frequently embrace tribal decks — who has not constructed an elf strategy at some point? — and this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover release revives two beloved mechanics which fit seamlessly to the flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One initial ability, known as "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar set and gives buffs whenever additional permanents with this subtype enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is another enchantment subtype which first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become strength when you owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback for Allies Ability

Although Shrines have shown up here and there across recent releases, the Ally mechanic has been seldom seen — until this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic is heavily featured.

Aang has to assemble numerous friends during the journey to restore balance to the world, so there's no more fitting way to reflect this through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

After the initial set announcement, below are a look of an Ally and one Shrines cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character is a cherished minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe who lived at an Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's prowess in mechanics, Teo is able to fly through the skies with his glider, even dares the Avatar to a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's passion of flying and his tribe's use on flying machines by letting the player draw and discard each time you attack with a flying unit, and also strengthening your team via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, this appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you control.

The card also drains one more point whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

This appears to be a strong addition, considering the card's cheap cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

One big drawback of Shrine decks in formats besides Commander are the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, but this card can be great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Timely Crossover

Currently while crossover products are garnering significant hate from fans, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, and the full set set to be released on Nov. 21.