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MTG enthusiasts consistently enjoy tribal tactics — who has not built a zombie strategy once or twice? — while the new ATLA Universes Beyond release is reintroducing two popular mechanics that align perfectly to its flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The initial mechanic, called "Ally," was introduced in a Zendikar which grants boosts whenever more creatures with this subtype enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based type which first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also gain abilities as a player has more Shrines in play.

A Return for Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have been appeared here and there across recent sets, the Ally mechanic was seldom seen — but this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble numerous companions on the quest to bring back peace across the world, so it's no better way to reflect this in a Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following the first card reveal, below is previews of an Ally plus a Shrines card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo stands as a beloved minor figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom who resided in an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's prowess with engineering, Teo is able to glide through the skies using a flying device, and dares the Avatar to a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's love of the skies and the Earth Tribe's use of gliders by letting you draw and discard each time a player attacks using a flying creature, while additionally strengthening your team via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Speaking of his home, it appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life upon entering play, depending on the number of Shrines you have.

It also drains one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like a strong addition, considering the card's cheap mana cost plus good ETB ability.

One major drawback of Shrine strategies outside of Commander is the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, however this card can be effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

At a time when Universes Beyond sets have been receiving significant hate by fans, an iconic series such as Avatar could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and the full set will be released November 21st.