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Magic: The Gathering fans consistently embrace tribe-based tactics — what player hasn't assembled an elf deck at some point? — and this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set is reintroducing 2 well-known examples which align seamlessly to the theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial mechanic, named "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar and gives bonuses each time additional permanents bearing this subtype come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment subtype that originated in Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also become abilities when a player owns additional of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback of Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have shown up occasionally across recent releases, the Ally subtype was much rarer — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must assemble a lot of companions during his quest to restore peace to the world, and it's no better method to show that in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After its first card announcement, here are a look of an Allies and a Shrines cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as a popular supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom who resided in the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined in a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his father's prowess with mechanics, he is able to fly in the air with his glider, even challenges the Avatar in an aerial race.

This card Teo reproduces Teo's love of the skies and the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through allowing the player loot each time a player attacks with an airborne unit, and also pumping your creatures with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his home, it is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life upon entering play, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

The card also drains one more point whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This looks like a powerful card, considering the card's cheap mana cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

A major drawback of Shrine decks in formats besides EDH are the fact that these cards are always Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be great when paired with another Shrine, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond products have been garnering significant hate from fans, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, with the full set set to be released November 21st.