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MTG fans consistently enjoy tribal decks — who hasn't built an elf strategy once or twice? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release revives 2 well-known mechanics which fit perfectly to its theme.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One initial mechanic, known as "Allies," was debuted with the Zendikar set and provides bonuses each time additional permanents with this type enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based subtype that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribe, these enchantments also become power when a player owns additional Shrines in play.

A Comeback of Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have shown up here and there in newer releases, Allies subtype has been much rarer — but that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must recruit many friends during his quest to bring back balance to the world, and it's no more fitting way to reflect that through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Preview

After the first card reveal, below are a look of one Allies and a Shrine cards from the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

This character stands as one popular minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided at the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a disaster, which left him unable to walk.

Because of his father's expertise with mechanics, he can fly in the air with a flying device, even challenges Aang in an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his fondness of the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines by letting the player loot each time a player attacks with an airborne unit, and additionally pumping your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life when entering play, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

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

It appears to be a strong card, given the card's cheap mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield ability.

A big weakness for Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander are the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be great when paired with another Shrine, that drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Timely Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond sets have been receiving significant criticism by fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period is already here, with all cards set to be launched November 21st.