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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often adopt tribal strategies — what player has not constructed a goblin deck once or twice? — and the new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release brings back 2 well-known mechanics that fit perfectly to the theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first ability, known as "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar and provides boosts each time more creatures with this subtype come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based type that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, Shrines also become abilities when you has additional of them in play.

A Return for Allies Ability

Although Shrines have been appeared here and there across recent releases, Allies mechanic was much rarer — but that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic gets prominently used.

Aang has to assemble many allies during the quest to bring back peace across the world, so it's no more fitting method to reflect that in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After its first set announcement, here are previews at one Ally and one Shrines cards from the new ATLA set.

Teo: A Beloved Figure

Teo is a cherished supporting character in ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom who resided in the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined by a disaster, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's prowess with engineering, Teo is able to soar in the air using his glider, and dares Aang to an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's passion for the skies and his tribe's use of flying machines by letting the player draw and discard whenever a player attacks using a flying creature, and additionally strengthening your team with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, this is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

The card also removes an additional point whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This looks like an impactful addition, given its low cost and good ETB ability.

One big weakness of Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH are that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond products have been receiving significant criticism from fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what MTG needs.

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