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MTG players frequently adopt tribe-based strategies — who hasn't built a zombie deck before? — while the new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release brings back 2 beloved examples that align seamlessly with its flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

One first ability, named "Allies," was introduced in the Zendikar and provides bonuses each time more permanents with this type come onto the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment type that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also gain abilities as a player owns additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return for the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have appeared sporadically across recent releases, the Ally mechanic has been much rarer — but that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic gets central.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit a lot of allies on his quest to restore balance to the world, and there's no better method to reflect that in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following the initial card reveal, here is a look at one Ally plus a Shrine card from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo: The Beloved Character

This character is a cherished minor figure from ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe who lived in an Air Temple after his home was ruined by a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's skill in engineering, he is able to glide in the air with a flying device, even challenges the Avatar to an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's love for flying along with the Earth Tribe's use on flying machines by letting the player draw and discard each time a player attacks using a flying creature, while also pumping your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's home, it is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life when coming into play, based on the number of Shrines you have.

The card also drains one more life anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like an impactful addition, considering its cheap mana cost plus valuable ETB effect.

A major drawback for Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH are that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently when crossover products have been receiving a lot of hate by the community, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what MTG needs.

Preview period is already here, and the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.