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MTG players consistently embrace tribal strategies — who has not assembled an elf deck before? — while this upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release revives 2 beloved examples which align seamlessly with its setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first mechanic, known as "Allies," first introduced with a Zendikar set and grants buffs whenever more creatures bearing this subtype come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment type that first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain abilities as you owns additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return for Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have appeared here and there across newer releases, Allies subtype has been much rarer — but this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature is central.

The protagonist Aang must assemble a lot of friends during his quest to bring back peace to the world, so there's no more fitting way to reflect that in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Showcase

After the first set reveal, here are previews of one Allies and a Shrine card in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is a popular minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe who resided at an Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's skill in engineering, Teo can fly in the air with a flying device, even dares the Avatar to a flying contest.

The card Teo represents Teo's fondness for flying along with his tribe's reliance of gliders through allowing the player draw and discard whenever you attack using a flying unit, and also strengthening your creatures via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's home, it is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

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

It looks like a powerful addition, considering the card's cheap cost and good ETB effect.

One major drawback for Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH are the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but this card can be effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time when crossover products are receiving significant hate by the community, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period is already here, with all cards will be released November 21st.