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Magic: The Gathering players often adopt tribal tactics — who has not constructed a zombie deck at some point? — and this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set is reintroducing two well-known examples which align seamlessly with its setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial mechanic, named "Ally," first introduced with the Zendikar set which gives buffs each time additional permanents bearing the Ally subtype enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents an enchantment type that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise become power when a player has more Shrines in play.

A Comeback for the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have shown up here and there in newer releases, Allies mechanic has been far less common — but that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to gather a lot of friends on his journey to restore balance to the four nations, and it's no better method to represent this through an Magic set.

Revealed Cards Preview

After the initial card reveal, below is previews at one Allies plus a Shrines card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

Teo is one popular minor character in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe that resided in the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

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

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's fondness for the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines through allowing the player loot whenever a player attacks using an airborne unit, and additionally strengthening your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, this is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

It also removes one more life whenever a Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be a powerful addition, considering its cheap cost and good ETB effect.

A big weakness of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH are the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond products have been receiving significant criticism by fans, a beloved series such as Avatar can be precisely what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, and all cards set to be launched November 21st.