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MTG players consistently enjoy tribal decks — what player hasn't assembled a zombie deck before? — and the new ATLA Universes Beyond release revives 2 well-known mechanics which fit seamlessly to the setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first ability, called "Ally," was introduced in the Zendikar set and grants bonuses whenever additional permanents with the Ally subtype come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents another enchantment subtype that first appeared with Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, these enchantments also become abilities when a player owns more of them in play.

A Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have appeared occasionally across recent sets, Allies mechanic has been much rarer — but this ends in ATLA, in which this mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to gather many friends on his quest to restore balance to the four nations, and there's no more fitting way to represent this through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

Following the initial set reveal, here is previews at an Ally and one Shrines cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as one beloved minor figure from ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided in an Air Temple following his home was ruined by a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his father's skill with mechanics, he is able to soar through the skies with his glider, even dares the Avatar in a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his love for the skies and his tribe's use on flying machines by letting you loot each time you attack with an airborne creature, and additionally pumping your team via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total when coming into play, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card also removes one more point anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

This appears to be a strong card, considering the card's low mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A major weakness of Shrine decks outside of EDH is the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but this card can be effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond sets have been receiving a lot of criticism from fans, a beloved series like Avatar can be precisely what MTG requires.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set will be released November 21st.