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Magic: The Gathering players frequently adopt tribal strategies — who hasn't built a zombie strategy at some point? — while the forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back 2 well-known mechanics that fit seamlessly to its flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One initial mechanic, called "Allies," was debuted with the Zendikar set and grants buffs each time more creatures bearing the Ally type enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents an enchantment type which first appeared in Kamigawa. While not a creature tribe, Shrines also gain abilities as a player has additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return of the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have appeared sporadically across recent sets, Allies subtype was seldom seen — until this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature is heavily featured.

Aang has to assemble many companions on the journey to restore peace to the world, so there's no more fitting way to reflect this in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

Following the first set reveal, below are a look of one Ally and a Shrines card from the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Character

Teo stands as a cherished supporting character in ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided in an Air Temple after his home was ruined in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's skill in mechanics, he is able to soar through the skies using a flying device, and challenges the Avatar to a flying contest.

This card Teo represents his fondness of flying and the Earth Tribe's use on gliders by letting you loot whenever you attack with an airborne unit, and also boosting your creatures with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, this is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life when entering the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you control.

It also drains an additional point anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like an impactful addition, given the card's low cost and valuable ETB ability.

One big drawback for Shrine decks outside of Commander are the fact that these cards are always Legendary, however this card can be effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond products are receiving a lot of backlash by the community, an iconic franchise like Avatar could be precisely just what MTG requires.

Preview period has begun, with all cards will be released on Nov. 21.