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Magic: The Gathering players frequently adopt tribe-based strategies — what player has not assembled a zombie strategy once or twice? — while this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set revives 2 popular examples which match seamlessly to the flavor.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The initial mechanic, called "Allies," was debuted in a Zendikar set which gives boosts whenever more permanents bearing the Ally type enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based type which first appeared in Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines also become strength when a player owns additional of them on the battlefield.

A Return of the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have been appeared here and there in newer sets, Allies mechanic has been seldom seen — until this ends in ATLA, where the mechanic is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must assemble many allies during his journey to bring back balance across the four nations, so there's no better way to represent that in a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

After the initial card announcement, below is previews at one Ally and a Shrines cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

Teo stands as a popular minor character from ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom who lived at an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Because of his father's expertise in engineering, Teo can fly through the skies using a flying device, even dares Aang to an aerial race.

This card Teo reproduces Teo's passion for the skies and his tribe's reliance of gliders by allowing the player loot whenever a player attacks with a flying unit, and additionally boosting your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding Teo's home, this is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

The card furthermore drains one more point whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This looks like an impactful card, considering the card's cheap mana cost plus good ETB ability.

One big weakness for Shrine decks in formats besides EDH are that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however this card can be great when paired with another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently while crossover sets have been receiving significant criticism from the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards set to be released November 21st.