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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts consistently enjoy tribe-based tactics — what player has not built a goblin deck at some point? — while the new ATLA Universes Beyond release brings back two beloved mechanics that fit perfectly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The initial mechanic, known as "Allies," was debuted with the Zendikar set which gives buffs each time additional permanents with this type come onto the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based type that first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, these enchantments also become power when a player owns more Shrines in play.

A Return for Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have appeared here and there in newer sets, Allies subtype was far less common — until that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit numerous friends during his journey to restore peace across the four nations, and there's no more fitting method to show that through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After the first card announcement, below are a look at one Ally plus one Shrines cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as a popular minor character from ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe that resided in the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined in a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's expertise with mechanics, he is able to glide in the air with a flying device, and challenges Aang to an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's passion of flying along with his tribe's reliance of gliders through letting you loot each time a player attacks using an airborne creature, while additionally pumping your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, it is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

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

This appears to be a powerful addition, given its low mana cost and valuable ETB effect.

One big weakness for Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH are the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired alongside another Shrine, that drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond sets are garnering a lot of hate by the community, a beloved series such as Avatar could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.

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