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MTG enthusiasts frequently enjoy tribal tactics — what player hasn't assembled an elf deck once or twice? — and this upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release revives 2 well-known mechanics that fit perfectly to the flavor.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The initial mechanic, called "Allies," was debuted in a Zendikar set and gives boosts each time more creatures bearing the Ally type enter the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment type which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain abilities as a player has more Shrines in play.

A Comeback of the Ally Ability

While Shrines have been appeared occasionally across newer releases, Allies mechanic has been much rarer — until that changes in ATLA, where the feature is central.

Aang has to assemble a lot of friends on the quest to restore balance across the world, so it's no better way to reflect this through a Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

After the first set reveal, below are previews at an Ally and one Shrines cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is a cherished minor figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe that lived at the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's skill with mechanics, he can glide in the air with a flying device, and challenges Aang to an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his passion of the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders by letting the player loot each time a player attacks using an airborne creature, while also boosting your creatures via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, it is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life when entering the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you control.

It also drains one more point whenever another Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be a strong addition, considering its low cost plus valuable ETB ability.

A major drawback of Shrine decks outside of Commander is the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, however this card can be great in combination alongside another Shrine, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

At a time while crossover sets are garnering a lot of criticism by fans, an iconic series like Avatar can be exactly just what MTG requires.

Preview period is already here, and all cards will be launched November 21st.