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Magic: The Gathering fans frequently enjoy tribal decks — who hasn't assembled a zombie strategy at some point? — while the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back 2 popular mechanics that match seamlessly with the setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial mechanic, called "Ally," first introduced in a Zendikar which grants bonuses whenever additional creatures with the Ally subtype enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based type that originated with Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also gain strength when a player has more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback for Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have shown up occasionally across recent releases, Allies subtype was much rarer — but this changes with ATLA, in which the mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must recruit numerous allies on his quest to bring back balance across the four nations, and there's no better way to show that through an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

After the initial set reveal, here is previews of an Ally and one Shrine card in the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as a popular minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided in the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined by a flood, which left him paraplegic.

Because of his father's prowess with engineering, he is able to fly in the air with a flying device, even challenges the Avatar in a flying race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's fondness of the skies and the Earth Tribe's use on gliders by letting you loot each time you attack using a flying unit, while also pumping your creatures with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, this is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life when entering play, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

It furthermore removes one more point whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be a strong card, considering the card's cheap mana cost and valuable ETB effect.

A major drawback for Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH are the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be effective in combination with another Shrine, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently when crossover sets are receiving significant criticism by fans, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

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