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Magic: The Gathering players consistently enjoy tribe-based decks — who has not assembled an elf strategy at some point? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set is reintroducing 2 beloved examples that match seamlessly to its flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

The initial ability, called "Ally," was introduced with the Zendikar and provides buffs each time additional permanents bearing this subtype enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents another enchantment subtype which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise become strength as you has additional of them on the battlefield.

A Return of Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have shown up sporadically across newer sets, the Ally mechanic was far less common — but that ends in ATLA, in which this feature is prominently used.

Aang has to assemble many companions during his quest to bring back peace across the four nations, so it's no better method to reflect that through a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

Following its initial card announcement, below is a look at one Ally and one Shrine cards from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Character

This character stands as a popular minor figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom that lived at the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined by a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's expertise with engineering, Teo can glide in the air using a flying device, and dares the Avatar in a flying race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's passion of the skies and his tribe's reliance on gliders through allowing the player draw and discard whenever a player attacks using a flying creature, and additionally boosting your creatures via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine

Speaking of his home, it appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore removes one more point anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like a powerful card, given its low mana cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

A big weakness for Shrine decks outside of Commander are that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however this card is great in combination alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Crossover

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

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