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Magic: The Gathering players often embrace tribe-based strategies — who hasn't assembled a zombie deck before? — and the new ATLA Universes Beyond release revives 2 well-known mechanics which fit seamlessly to its flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial ability, named "Ally," first debuted in the Zendikar which grants buffs whenever additional permanents with this type enter the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based type that originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also gain abilities when a player controls more of them in play.

The Comeback of Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have been shown up here and there in newer releases, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — but this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must assemble a lot of friends on the journey to restore balance to the four nations, and it's no more fitting method to show that through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Preview

After its first set reveal, below is previews of an Ally and one Shrine card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Beloved Character

Teo stands as one cherished minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom who resided in an Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his father's prowess with mechanics, Teo is able to glide through the skies with a flying device, even challenges Aang in an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's passion of flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines by allowing you loot each time you attack with an airborne creature, and also boosting your creatures with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total when coming into play, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore drains an additional life whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be an impactful card, considering the card's low cost plus valuable ETB ability.

One big drawback of Shrine-based decks outside of EDH is the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired alongside another Shrine, that drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond sets are garnering significant backlash by fans, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, and all cards will be released November 21st.