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Magic: The Gathering fans consistently adopt tribal strategies — what player hasn't constructed an elf deck once or twice? — while this new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set brings back 2 beloved mechanics that match seamlessly with the flavor.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One first mechanic, known as "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar set which provides bonuses each time additional permanents bearing the Ally type come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based subtype which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments also gain strength when a player has more of them in play.

A Comeback for the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have been appeared here and there in newer sets, Allies mechanic has been seldom seen — but this ends with ATLA, where the feature gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to gather many allies on his quest to bring back balance across the world, and there's no more fitting method to reflect this in a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

After its first card reveal, here are previews at one Allies and a Shrine cards in the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is one beloved supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe who resided at the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's prowess in engineering, he is able to soar in the air with his glider, and challenges Aang to a flying race.

The card Teo showcases Teo's love of the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines by letting the player draw and discard whenever a player attacks with an airborne creature, while additionally pumping your team via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, this is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life when coming into play, based on how many of Shrines you control.

It also drains one more point whenever a Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be a powerful addition, considering the card's cheap cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A major drawback for Shrine decks outside of Commander are the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however this card can be great when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time while crossover products are garnering a lot of backlash by the community, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely what MTG needs.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards set to be launched November 21st.