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MTG players often enjoy tribe-based strategies — what player hasn't assembled a zombie deck at some point? — while this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back 2 well-known mechanics that match seamlessly with the flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first mechanic, called "Allies," was introduced with a Zendikar and gives bonuses each time additional creatures with the Ally type enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based subtype that first appeared with Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, Shrines also become abilities when a player has additional of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback of Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have been appeared here and there across newer releases, the Ally mechanic has been far less common — but that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature gets heavily featured.

Aang must recruit numerous allies during the quest to bring back balance across the world, and it's no more fitting method to reflect this in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

After its first set reveal, below are previews of an Ally plus one Shrine cards in the new ATLA set.

Teo: A Beloved Character

This character stands as a popular supporting character in ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom who lived at an Air Temple after his home was ruined by a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's skill in mechanics, he is able to glide through the skies with his glider, even challenges Aang to a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his fondness for flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines by letting the player loot each time you attack using an airborne creature, and also boosting your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, it appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore drains one more point anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

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

A major weakness for Shrine decks in formats besides Commander are the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

Currently while crossover sets are garnering a lot of backlash by fans, an iconic series like Avatar can be exactly what MTG needs.

Preview period is already here, and all cards will be released on Nov. 21.