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Magic: The Gathering players consistently embrace tribal strategies — what player hasn't constructed a goblin strategy once or twice? — and the new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set revives two popular examples that match perfectly to its theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial ability, called "Allies," first introduced with a Zendikar which gives bonuses each time more permanents bearing the Ally subtype come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based subtype that first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise gain strength as a player has additional of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback for the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have appeared occasionally across recent releases, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — until this ends with ATLA, where the mechanic gets central.

The protagonist Aang must gather a lot of allies on his quest to bring back peace across the world, and it's no better way to reflect that in a Magic expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following its first card announcement, below is previews at an Allies and one Shrines cards in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

Teo is one popular supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of Earth Kingdom who lived in an Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a disaster, which left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's skill in engineering, Teo is able to glide in the air with a flying device, and challenges Aang in a flying race.

This card Teo showcases his fondness of flying and his tribe's use on flying machines through allowing you draw and discard whenever a player attacks using an airborne creature, while additionally boosting your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, this is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life upon entering play, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card furthermore drains an additional life anytime another Shrine enters the field.

It looks like a strong card, considering its low cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

One major drawback of Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander is that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however this card can be effective in combination with another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond products have been receiving a lot of criticism by the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, and all cards will be released November 21st.