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MTG fans frequently enjoy tribe-based tactics — who hasn't built a zombie strategy before? — and the new ATLA Universes Beyond set is reintroducing two popular mechanics that match seamlessly to the theme.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The initial ability, called "Allies," was introduced in the Zendikar which grants boosts whenever additional creatures with this type enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based type that originated with Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also gain strength as you has additional of them in play.

The Return of the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally across recent sets, Allies mechanic was far less common — but this changes in ATLA, where the feature is central.

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

Exclusive Cards Preview

After its first set announcement, below is a look of an Allies and one Shrine card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character is a popular supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe who resided at the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's skill in mechanics, he can glide in the air using his glider, even dares Aang to an aerial race.

The card Teo represents Teo's fondness for the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders through allowing you draw and discard each time you attack with a flying creature, while additionally boosting your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, this is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you have.

It furthermore removes an additional point anytime a Shrine enters the field.

It looks like an impactful addition, given its cheap mana cost plus good ETB ability.

One major drawback for Shrine-based strategies outside of Commander is the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but this card is effective when paired with another Shrine, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond products have been receiving significant backlash from fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period has begun, and the full set will be launched November 21st.