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Magic: The Gathering fans frequently enjoy tribe-based tactics — what player has not assembled a zombie deck before? — while this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release brings back 2 well-known examples that align perfectly with its theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial ability, known as "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar and grants boosts whenever more permanents bearing this subtype come onto the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is an enchantment type which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise become power as you owns more of them in play.

The Comeback of the Ally Ability

While Shrines have appeared sporadically in recent releases, Allies mechanic was seldom seen — until that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature is central.

The protagonist Aang has to gather numerous allies during his journey to restore balance across the world, so it's no better way to represent that in a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following the initial set announcement, here is previews at one Ally plus one Shrine card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

Teo is one cherished supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe who lived in an Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's expertise with engineering, Teo can soar through the skies with his glider, and dares the Avatar in a flying contest.

The card Teo reproduces his love of flying along with his tribe's reliance on flying machines by letting you draw and discard each time a player attacks using an airborne unit, and additionally pumping your creatures via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding his home, this appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total upon coming into play, based on how many of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore drains an additional life whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

This appears to be a powerful card, given its cheap mana cost plus good ETB effect.

A major weakness for Shrine-based strategies outside of Commander are that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however this card can be great when paired with another Shrine, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time when crossover products are receiving a lot of hate by fans, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, and the full set set to be released on Nov. 21.