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Magic: The Gathering players often enjoy tribe-based strategies — what player has not assembled an elf strategy before? — and this upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release is reintroducing two popular examples which fit perfectly to the theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial mechanic, named "Ally," first introduced in the Zendikar and grants bonuses whenever additional creatures with the Ally subtype enter the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based type which originated with Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also become strength when you controls additional Shrines in play.

The Return for Allies Ability

While Shrine cards have been appeared here and there in newer sets, Allies mechanic was much rarer — until this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic gets heavily featured.

Aang has to gather numerous allies on the quest to restore balance to the four nations, and it's no more fitting way to show that through a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Preview

After the initial set reveal, here are previews of one Allies and one Shrine card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as a cherished minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom that resided at an Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's skill in engineering, Teo is able to soar through the skies using a flying device, and challenges Aang in an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's fondness of flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines by allowing you draw and discard each time a player attacks using an airborne unit, while also pumping your team with counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, this appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

It also removes an additional point anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like a powerful addition, given its low cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

One major drawback of Shrine-based decks outside of Commander are that these cards are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be effective in combination alongside another Shrine, which drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond products have been garnering a lot of criticism by the community, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what MTG needs.

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