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Magic: The Gathering players often adopt tribal strategies — who has not constructed a zombie deck at some point? — while this new ATLA Universes Beyond set is reintroducing two popular examples that match perfectly to its theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One initial mechanic, named "Ally," was introduced in the Zendikar set which provides buffs whenever more permanents bearing the Ally type come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based type that originated with Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise gain abilities as you owns additional of them in play.

The Return of Allies Ability

Although Shrines have been appeared sporadically in newer sets, Allies mechanic was seldom seen — but that ends with ATLA, in which the feature gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must assemble many friends during the journey to bring back balance to the world, so it's no better way to represent this in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After the first card reveal, here is previews of one Ally and one Shrines card from the new ATLA release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo stands as one cherished supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe that lived in the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a disaster, which left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's skill in mechanics, he is able to glide in the air with his glider, even dares Aang in an aerial contest.

The card Teo reproduces Teo's fondness of the skies and the Earth Tribe's use of flying machines through allowing the player draw and discard each time a player attacks using an airborne unit, while additionally pumping your team with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, it is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

The card also removes one more life whenever another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be a strong card, given its cheap cost plus valuable ETB ability.

A big weakness for Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander are that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but this card is effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Timely Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond products have been receiving a lot of hate from the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period is already here, with the full set will be launched November 21st.