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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often enjoy tribe-based strategies — who hasn't constructed a zombie strategy at some point? — while this new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release brings back 2 popular mechanics that fit perfectly to the flavor.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One first mechanic, known as "Allies," was introduced in a Zendikar which provides bonuses whenever more creatures bearing this subtype come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based type that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain abilities when you owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically in newer sets, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — until this changes in ATLA, where the feature is heavily featured.

Aang has to gather a lot of companions on his quest to bring back balance to the world, so it's no more fitting way to show that through an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

Following its initial set announcement, below are previews at one Allies and a Shrines card from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

This character stands as a beloved supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of Earth Kingdom who lived in an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's prowess with mechanics, he can fly in the air with his glider, and dares Aang to an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his passion of flying and his tribe's use of gliders through allowing the player loot whenever a player attacks with a flying creature, and additionally strengthening your creatures via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, it is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

It also drains an additional life anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like an impactful card, given the card's low mana cost and good ETB ability.

A big drawback of Shrine decks in formats besides EDH are that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond products are garnering a lot of hate from the community, a beloved series such as Avatar can be precisely just what MTG requires.

Preview period has begun, with the full set will be released November 21st.