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Magic: The Gathering players frequently adopt tribe-based decks — who has not assembled a goblin strategy once or twice? — while this upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release revives two beloved mechanics that fit seamlessly to its theme.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

One initial ability, known as "Allies," was debuted with the Zendikar and gives bonuses each time more permanents with this subtype enter the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based subtype which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise gain power as you controls additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have appeared here and there across newer sets, Allies subtype has been much rarer — but this ends with ATLA, where the feature gets prominently used.

Aang must assemble numerous companions on the quest to bring back balance to the four nations, and there's no more fitting way to show this in an Magic set.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following the first card announcement, below is a look of an Ally plus a Shrine card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

This character is a cherished supporting character from ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom that resided at an Air Temple following his village was ruined by a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's skill in engineering, he can glide through the skies using his glider, even challenges Aang in an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his fondness for the skies and the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through allowing you loot each time a player attacks using a flying unit, while also boosting your team with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, it appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life upon entering play, depending on the number Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore removes one more life whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be a powerful addition, considering its low mana cost plus good ETB effect.

A major drawback of Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH is the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, but this card can be effective in combination with another Shrine, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently when crossover sets are garnering a lot of criticism from the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards will be released on Nov. 21.