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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently enjoy tribe-based decks — who has not built a zombie strategy before? — while this upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release is reintroducing two beloved mechanics that align perfectly with its setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial ability, named "Allies," was debuted with the Zendikar set and grants bonuses whenever more creatures bearing this subtype enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents an enchantment type which first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also gain abilities as a player controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have shown up here and there across newer sets, the Ally mechanic was seldom seen — until that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit many friends on the quest to bring back balance to the four nations, and it's no better method to reflect that through a Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

After its initial set announcement, here is a look of an Ally plus a Shrines cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Beloved Figure

Teo is a cherished minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided in the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's expertise in engineering, he can soar in the air with his glider, even challenges the Avatar to an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's fondness for the skies and his tribe's use of flying machines by letting the player draw and discard whenever a player attacks using a flying unit, and also pumping your creatures via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, this is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

It furthermore drains an additional life whenever another Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be a strong card, given the card's cheap cost plus good ETB ability.

One major weakness of Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander are that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is great when paired alongside another Shrine, which drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond sets have been garnering a lot of hate by the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, and all cards set to be launched on Nov. 21.