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MTG fans often embrace tribal strategies — who hasn't built a goblin deck before? — while this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set revives two well-known examples that match perfectly with its flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

The initial mechanic, known as "Ally," first debuted in the Zendikar and grants buffs each time additional permanents bearing the Ally subtype enter the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based subtype that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines also become abilities as a player owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback of the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally across newer sets, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — but this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature is prominently used.

Aang must recruit numerous companions during his quest to restore peace across the four nations, and it's no more fitting method to reflect that in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following the first card announcement, here are previews of one Allies plus one Shrines card from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as a cherished minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of Earth Kingdom that lived at the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's prowess in mechanics, Teo is able to soar through the skies with a flying device, even challenges Aang to an aerial contest.

This card Teo reproduces his love of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders through allowing you loot each time a player attacks with a flying unit, and also pumping your team with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total when entering play, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

It also removes one more life anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This appears to be an impactful card, given its cheap cost and good ETB effect.

A major drawback for Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH are the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but this card can be great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently when crossover sets are receiving a lot of hate from fans, a beloved series such as Avatar could be exactly just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set will be launched November 21st.