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MTG enthusiasts frequently adopt tribe-based strategies — who has not built an elf strategy before? — while the forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set revives two beloved examples which align perfectly to its theme.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

One first mechanic, named "Allies," first debuted with a Zendikar set which gives boosts each time additional creatures with this type enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is an enchantment type which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain abilities as a player has more of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback of the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have been shown up here and there across newer releases, the Ally mechanic was far less common — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature gets central.

The protagonist Aang must assemble numerous companions on his journey to restore balance to the four nations, so there's no better way to reflect this in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Preview

After its initial set reveal, below is previews at one Ally plus a Shrines card from the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as a popular minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe that resided at the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined by a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's expertise in mechanics, he can soar through the skies with a flying device, and dares the Avatar to a flying contest.

This card Teo reproduces his love of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders through allowing you draw and discard each time a player attacks with an airborne unit, while also pumping your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, this appears as the card Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life when entering the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

It furthermore drains one more point anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like a powerful card, considering its low cost plus valuable ETB ability.

A big drawback of Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander is the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time when Universes Beyond sets are receiving significant criticism from the community, an iconic series such as Avatar can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

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