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Magic: The Gathering players frequently enjoy tribe-based tactics — who hasn't constructed a zombie strategy once or twice? — while the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set is reintroducing two beloved mechanics that fit seamlessly with its theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first ability, known as "Allies," first introduced with a Zendikar and grants buffs each time more creatures with the Ally type enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based subtype that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise become power when you controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback of the Ally Ability

While Shrines have been appeared sporadically across recent sets, Allies subtype was much rarer — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature gets central.

Aang must gather many allies on his quest to restore peace to the four nations, and there's no more fitting method to reflect that through an Magic set.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following the initial set reveal, below is a look of one Ally and a Shrine cards from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

Teo is one popular minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom that resided at an Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's prowess in mechanics, Teo can glide through the skies with his glider, even challenges the Avatar in an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's fondness for flying and his tribe's reliance on gliders through allowing the player draw and discard each time a player attacks using a flying creature, and additionally pumping your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, it is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life when entering play, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore removes an additional point anytime a Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be a powerful addition, considering the card's cheap cost and good ETB effect.

One big weakness for Shrine-based strategies outside of Commander are that Shrines are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Crossover

At a time when crossover sets have been receiving significant hate from the community, a beloved series such as Avatar can be precisely what MTG requires.

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