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MTG players frequently enjoy tribal strategies — who has not assembled a zombie strategy once or twice? — while the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set revives 2 well-known examples which fit perfectly to the setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first mechanic, known as "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar and gives bonuses each time more permanents bearing this type enter the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is another enchantment subtype which originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also become abilities when a player owns additional of them in play.

The Return of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have shown up here and there in newer sets, the Ally mechanic has been seldom seen — until that ends in ATLA, where the mechanic is central.

The protagonist Aang must assemble many companions on his quest to bring back peace to the four nations, so there's no better way to represent that in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following its first set reveal, below is previews at an Allies and a Shrine card in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

This character is a beloved minor figure from ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom that resided in the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined by a disaster, which left him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's prowess with mechanics, he can glide in the air with his glider, and challenges the Avatar to a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his fondness for the skies along with his tribe's use on flying machines through allowing you draw and discard whenever you attack using a flying creature, while additionally boosting your team with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, it appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total when coming into play, depending on the number of Shrines you have.

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

It looks like a powerful addition, given the card's cheap mana cost and valuable ETB effect.

One big weakness for Shrine-based decks outside of EDH are the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be great in combination alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond sets have been garnering significant criticism from fans, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what MTG requires.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set set to be released on Nov. 21.