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MTG fans frequently adopt tribal decks — who has not built a zombie deck at some point? — while this new ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back 2 beloved mechanics that match seamlessly with the theme.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One initial mechanic, named "Allies," was debuted with the Zendikar which grants bonuses each time additional creatures bearing the Ally subtype enter the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is an enchantment type that first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain abilities when you has additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return of the Ally Ability

While Shrines have appeared occasionally in recent sets, Allies mechanic was seldom seen — but this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic gets central.

Aang has to recruit many companions during the quest to restore balance across the four nations, and there's no better way to reflect that in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After its first set reveal, here are previews at an Allies plus a Shrines card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as a cherished minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided at an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Because of his father's expertise with mechanics, he is able to glide in the air using his glider, and dares Aang in a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's love for the skies along with his tribe's use on flying machines by allowing you draw and discard whenever a player attacks with an airborne creature, while additionally boosting your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's home, this is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you have.

The card also removes one more point anytime a Shrine enters the battlefield.

It looks like a powerful addition, considering the card's cheap cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A major weakness for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander are that these cards are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired with another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond products have been receiving a lot of hate from the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, with the full set will be released on Nov. 21.