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MTG fans often embrace tribal decks — what player hasn't built an elf deck once or twice? — while this new ATLA Universes Beyond set is reintroducing two popular mechanics that align seamlessly to its theme.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

The initial mechanic, called "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar which grants bonuses each time more permanents with this type come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment subtype that first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines likewise become abilities as you controls additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return for the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have shown up here and there across recent sets, the Ally subtype was far less common — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must gather numerous friends during the quest to restore balance across the world, and it's no more fitting way to show that through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following the initial card announcement, here is previews at one Ally and a Shrine cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

Teo is a cherished supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom who lived at an Air Temple after his village was ruined in a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his father's prowess in engineering, Teo is able to soar in the air with his glider, even dares the Avatar to an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's fondness for the skies along with his tribe's use of flying machines by letting the player draw and discard whenever a player attacks with an airborne unit, and additionally strengthening your creatures via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's home, it appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life when coming into play, based on how many of Shrines you control.

The card also removes an additional life whenever another Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be a strong addition, considering its low mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

One major weakness for Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be great when paired alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently while crossover sets have been garnering a lot of backlash by the community, a beloved series like Avatar could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, with the full set will be launched November 21st.