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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often embrace tribal tactics — who hasn't built a goblin strategy before? — while the new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release is reintroducing two well-known mechanics that match perfectly with the theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial mechanic, called "Allies," was debuted with a Zendikar set and provides boosts whenever more creatures bearing the Ally type enter the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment type that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain strength as you owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback of the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have been shown up here and there in newer releases, Allies subtype was seldom seen — until that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic gets heavily featured.

Aang has to recruit numerous companions during his quest to restore balance across the four nations, and it's no more fitting way to represent that through a Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following the initial card reveal, below is a look of an Allies plus one Shrine card in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as one beloved supporting character in ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom who resided at the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Because of his father's prowess in engineering, Teo is able to soar in the air using his glider, and challenges Aang in a flying contest.

The card Teo reproduces Teo's passion of the skies along with his tribe's reliance on gliders by letting the player draw and discard whenever you attack using an airborne creature, while additionally strengthening your creatures with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you control.

The card furthermore drains an additional point anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be a strong addition, considering the card's cheap cost plus good ETB ability.

A big drawback for Shrine decks in formats besides Commander is that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond sets have been garnering significant backlash by the community, an iconic franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what MTG needs.

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