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Magic: The Gathering players frequently enjoy tribe-based strategies — what player has not constructed an elf strategy at some point? — while this new ATLA Universes Beyond set revives 2 beloved mechanics which align seamlessly to its setting.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One first ability, named "Ally," first introduced with a Zendikar set which grants boosts each time more permanents bearing the Ally type enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment type that first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines likewise gain power as a player owns more Shrines in play.

The Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have been appeared sporadically in recent sets, Allies mechanic was seldom seen — until that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic is heavily featured.

Aang has to gather a lot of allies during the journey to restore balance across the world, and there's no more fitting method to represent that through an Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

Following the first card reveal, here is a look of an Allies and a Shrine card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is one cherished supporting character in ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom that resided at an Air Temple following his village was ruined by a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his father's prowess with mechanics, he is able to fly through the skies using his glider, and challenges Aang in a flying race.

This card Teo represents his love of flying and the Earth Tribe's use on gliders by letting you loot each time a player attacks with an airborne creature, and additionally pumping your creatures with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, this appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life upon coming into play, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

It furthermore removes one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like a strong card, given its low cost plus valuable ETB effect.

One big drawback for Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH is the fact that these cards are always Legendary, however this card is great in combination alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

At a time while crossover sets have been receiving a lot of hate from the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season is already here, and the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.