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MTG players frequently enjoy tribe-based tactics — who hasn't assembled an elf strategy before? — and the new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set brings back two beloved examples that fit perfectly with the flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

One first mechanic, called "Allies," first introduced with the Zendikar set which provides bonuses each time additional permanents bearing this type come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents an enchantment type that originated in Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise gain abilities as a player controls additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have been appeared here and there in newer releases, Allies subtype has been much rarer — until this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature is heavily featured.

Aang must recruit many friends during his journey to bring back peace to the four nations, and there's no better way to reflect that through an Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

Following its first set announcement, below is a look at one Allies plus a Shrines cards in the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

Teo stands as one popular supporting character from ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe that lived in an Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's prowess with mechanics, he can glide through the skies with his glider, even challenges Aang to an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his passion of the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders by letting you draw and discard whenever a player attacks using an airborne creature, while additionally boosting your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total when entering play, based on the number of Shrines you have.

The card also drains one more point whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be an impactful addition, given the card's cheap mana cost plus good ETB effect.

A big drawback of Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander are that these cards are always Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be effective in combination with another Shrine, that drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently when crossover products have been garnering a lot of criticism from the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, with all cards set to be launched November 21st.