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MTG players frequently adopt tribe-based tactics — who hasn't constructed a goblin strategy once or twice? — while this upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set revives two well-known mechanics that match perfectly to its setting.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The first ability, known as "Allies," was debuted with the Zendikar set which gives buffs whenever additional permanents bearing this type enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based type that first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise gain strength as a player owns more of them in play.

The Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have been appeared sporadically in newer sets, the Ally subtype was far less common — but that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must recruit a lot of allies during his journey to restore balance across the four nations, so there's no better way to show this through a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following its initial card reveal, below is a look at an Ally and one Shrines card in the new ATLA release.

Teo: A Beloved Figure

Teo stands as one popular supporting figure in ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe who resided at the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's prowess in mechanics, Teo can soar through the skies using his glider, and dares Aang to a flying race.

This card Teo reproduces his passion for the skies and his tribe's use of flying machines through letting you draw and discard whenever you attack using an airborne unit, and additionally boosting your team with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, it appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life when entering play, depending on how many Shrine cards you control.

It also removes one more life anytime another Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be a strong addition, given the card's low cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

A big weakness of Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH are that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond products are garnering significant hate from the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period has begun, with all cards set to be released November 21st.