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MTG fans frequently adopt tribe-based tactics — what player has not built a zombie strategy before? — and the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back 2 well-known examples which align seamlessly to the setting.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

The initial mechanic, called "Allies," first debuted in a Zendikar and provides boosts each time additional permanents bearing this subtype enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents an enchantment type which first appeared in Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also gain strength as a player controls additional of them in play.

A Return for the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have been shown up here and there in recent releases, Allies subtype has been much rarer — but this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature gets central.

Aang has to recruit numerous allies during the quest to bring back peace across the four nations, and it's no more fitting way to show this in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following its first set reveal, here is previews at an Ally and one Shrines card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Beloved Figure

This character is one cherished supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom who lived in an Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's expertise with engineering, he is able to soar in the air using a flying device, and challenges the Avatar in a flying race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's fondness for flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines by letting the player loot whenever a player attacks with an airborne creature, and additionally strengthening your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's home, this is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

It also drains one more point whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be an impactful card, considering its low cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

A major weakness for Shrine strategies outside of Commander are the fact that these cards are always Legendary, however this card is effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently while crossover products have been garnering significant hate by the community, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what MTG needs.

Preview period is already here, with the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.