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MTG players often embrace tribe-based tactics — what player has not assembled a zombie strategy at some point? — while the new ATLA Universes Beyond set revives 2 popular mechanics that align seamlessly to the flavor.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The first ability, known as "Allies," was debuted with the Zendikar set which grants boosts each time additional permanents with the Ally type come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents an enchantment subtype that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also become abilities as a player controls more of them in play.

A Comeback for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have appeared sporadically in newer releases, Allies subtype was seldom seen — but this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature gets central.

Aang must gather many friends on his journey to restore peace across the world, and it's no more fitting method to reflect this through a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following its initial card reveal, here are a look of an Allies and a Shrines card from the new ATLA release.

Teo: A Beloved Figure

This character is a cherished supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of Earth Kingdom who resided in the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined by a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's expertise with mechanics, Teo is able to soar in the air with a flying device, even challenges the Avatar in a flying race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's passion for flying along with his tribe's use on flying machines through letting you draw and discard each time a player attacks using a flying unit, and also strengthening your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, this is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total when coming into play, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card also removes one more point anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like a powerful addition, given the card's cheap cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

A big weakness of Shrine decks outside of EDH are that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is great in combination alongside another Shrine, which drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond products are garnering a lot of backlash by the community, a beloved series such as Avatar can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period is already here, with the full set will be released on Nov. 21.