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MTG fans frequently embrace tribe-based decks — who hasn't assembled a zombie strategy before? — and the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set revives two well-known examples that align seamlessly with its flavor.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

One initial mechanic, named "Ally," was introduced in the Zendikar set and gives buffs whenever more creatures with this subtype enter play.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based type that originated with Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain abilities as you owns more Shrines in play.

The Comeback for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been appeared here and there across newer sets, the Ally subtype has been much rarer — but this changes with ATLA, in which this feature is heavily featured.

Aang must assemble a lot of friends on the quest to restore balance across the world, and there's no better way to reflect that through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After its first set reveal, here is a look at an Allies and a Shrines card in the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

This character is one popular supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe who lived in the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined in a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's skill with engineering, Teo can glide through the skies using a flying device, and challenges Aang in a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's love of the skies and the Earth Tribe's use of gliders by allowing you draw and discard each time a player attacks using a flying unit, while also pumping your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding 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 the number Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore removes an additional life anytime another Shrine enters the field.

This looks like an impactful addition, given its cheap mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

One major weakness for Shrine-based decks outside of EDH is that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond products are garnering a lot of backlash by fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period is already here, with all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.