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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts consistently adopt tribal tactics — who has not assembled a zombie deck at some point? — and the new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set brings back 2 popular mechanics which align perfectly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first mechanic, called "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar which grants buffs whenever more creatures bearing this type enter play.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based subtype which first appeared in Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise become strength when you owns additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have shown up sporadically in recent releases, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — until this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic is prominently used.

Aang has to gather a lot of companions on his journey to bring back balance to the four nations, so there's no more fitting way to reflect that through a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Preview

Following its first card reveal, below are previews of one Ally and one Shrine card in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

Teo is one cherished minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe that lived at an Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Because of his father's skill with mechanics, he can glide in the air using his glider, and dares Aang in a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his passion for the skies along with his tribe's use of flying machines through allowing you loot whenever a player attacks with an airborne unit, while also pumping your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

It also removes an additional point whenever another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like a powerful card, considering its low mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One big drawback for Shrine decks in formats besides EDH is the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however this card is effective when paired alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Timely Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond sets have been receiving a lot of backlash from the community, an iconic series such as Avatar can be exactly just what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, with all cards will be launched November 21st.