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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently embrace tribe-based strategies — who hasn't constructed a zombie deck once or twice? — while the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set is reintroducing two beloved mechanics which fit perfectly with its flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial ability, known as "Ally," first introduced with a Zendikar set which gives boosts each time more creatures bearing this subtype enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based type that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise become strength as a player owns more of them in play.

The Return of Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have shown up here and there across recent releases, the Ally mechanic was much rarer — but this changes in ATLA, where this mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must gather a lot of friends during the quest to restore peace across the four nations, so it's no better way to reflect that in a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

After its first set reveal, here are a look of an Ally and one Shrine cards from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as one beloved supporting character from ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided at the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's skill in mechanics, he is able to soar in the air using a flying device, and dares the Avatar to an aerial race.

The card Teo reproduces his passion for the skies and his tribe's reliance of flying machines through letting you loot whenever you attack using an airborne unit, while also boosting your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore removes an additional point whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

It appears to be an impactful addition, given the card's low cost plus good ETB effect.

A big weakness for Shrine decks outside of EDH are that Shrines are typically Legendary, but this card can be great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time when crossover products have been receiving a lot of criticism from the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar can be precisely what MTG needs.

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