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MTG players consistently enjoy tribe-based decks — who hasn't constructed a goblin deck once or twice? — while the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release is reintroducing 2 popular examples that match seamlessly to the setting.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The first mechanic, named "Allies," first introduced with a Zendikar set which grants buffs each time more creatures bearing the Ally subtype come onto the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based subtype that first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also become abilities when a player controls additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback for the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have shown up occasionally across recent releases, the Ally mechanic was far less common — but that changes in ATLA, where the feature gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must gather a lot of companions on the journey to restore peace to the world, and it's no better way to show this through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

After the initial set reveal, here is a look at an Ally and one Shrines card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is one popular minor character in ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom who resided in an Air Temple following his home was ruined by a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's skill with mechanics, Teo can glide through the skies using his glider, and challenges Aang to an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's fondness for flying and his tribe's use of gliders through letting you draw and discard each time you attack with a flying creature, while additionally boosting your creatures with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, it is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you control.

The card furthermore drains one more point anytime another Shrine enters the field.

This looks like an impactful addition, given its low mana cost plus good ETB ability.

A big weakness of Shrine-based strategies outside of Commander are the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, but this card is great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Timely Crossover

At a time while crossover products are garnering significant backlash by the community, an iconic franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set set to be released on Nov. 21.