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MTG players frequently adopt tribal decks — what player has not constructed an elf strategy before? — and the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release brings back 2 beloved examples that align seamlessly to the setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first mechanic, called "Allies," first debuted with the Zendikar and gives boosts each time additional creatures with this subtype come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is another enchantment type which first appeared in Kamigawa. While not a creature tribe, Shrines also become strength as you controls additional of them in play.

A Comeback of Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically across recent sets, the Ally subtype has been far less common — until this changes in ATLA, where this feature is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit a lot of allies during the quest to restore balance to the world, and there's no more fitting method to reflect that in a Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following its initial card reveal, here are previews at one Allies plus one Shrine card from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is a cherished supporting figure from ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom that resided at an Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's skill in engineering, he is able to soar through the skies with a flying device, and challenges Aang in a flying race.

The card Teo represents his passion of flying along with the Earth Tribe's use of gliders by letting you loot whenever you attack using a flying creature, and also boosting your team with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine

Regarding his home, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you control.

It also removes one more life whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

This appears to be a strong addition, given the card's cheap mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

A major drawback for Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander are that these cards are always legendary permanents, however this card is great when paired with another Shrine, that drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

At a time when crossover products are receiving a lot of criticism from the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season is already here, and the full set set to be launched November 21st.