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Magic: The Gathering fans consistently embrace tribe-based strategies — what player has not constructed a zombie deck at some point? — and this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set is reintroducing two popular examples which match seamlessly with the theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial ability, called "Ally," first debuted in a Zendikar and grants boosts whenever additional permanents with the Ally type come onto the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is another enchantment type which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise gain abilities when you controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have appeared occasionally across newer sets, the Ally subtype was much rarer — but this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature is prominently used.

Aang has to gather a lot of companions on his quest to restore balance across the four nations, and it's no better method to reflect this through a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following the initial card reveal, here is a look of one Ally and a Shrine cards from the new ATLA release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is one popular supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom who resided in an Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's expertise with mechanics, Teo is able to soar through the skies using a flying device, and dares the Avatar to an aerial contest.

This card Teo represents Teo's passion of flying and his tribe's reliance on flying machines by allowing the player draw and discard each time a player attacks with an airborne creature, and also boosting your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, this is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total when entering play, based on the number of Shrines you control.

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

It appears to be a powerful card, considering its cheap cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

One major weakness of Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander are the fact that these cards are always Legendary, however this card is great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond sets are receiving significant hate from the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what MTG requires.

Preview period has begun, and the full set will be launched November 21st.