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Magic: The Gathering fans often adopt tribe-based decks — what player hasn't assembled a goblin deck at some point? — while the forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release is reintroducing 2 popular mechanics that align seamlessly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One initial mechanic, named "Allies," was introduced in the Zendikar set which gives bonuses each time additional permanents bearing this type enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based subtype which originated in Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise become abilities as a player has more of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have appeared sporadically across newer releases, Allies mechanic was seldom seen — but this ends in ATLA, in which this mechanic is central.

The protagonist Aang must gather numerous allies during the quest to bring back balance to the world, so there's no better method to show that in a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

After its first set reveal, below is previews of an Ally plus a Shrines card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

Teo stands as one cherished supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom who resided in an Air Temple following his village was ruined by a flood, which left him paraplegic.

Because of his father's prowess with engineering, he can glide in the air with a flying device, and dares the Avatar in an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's fondness for the skies and the Earth Tribe's use of flying machines by allowing you draw and discard each time you attack using a flying unit, while additionally pumping your creatures with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Regarding Teo's home, this appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life upon entering play, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

It furthermore removes one more point anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like an impactful addition, considering the card's low cost plus good ETB effect.

A major drawback for Shrine strategies outside of Commander is the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is effective in combination with another Shrine, that drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond sets are garnering a lot of criticism from fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period has begun, and the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.