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MTG players consistently embrace tribe-based strategies — who has not built an elf deck once or twice? — while the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back two popular examples which align seamlessly with its flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first mechanic, called "Ally," was introduced in a Zendikar which provides bonuses each time additional permanents with the Ally type come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is an enchantment subtype which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines also become power when a player controls additional of them in play.

The Return for Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have shown up here and there in recent sets, the Ally subtype has been far less common — but this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic gets central.

Aang has to assemble a lot of friends on his quest to restore balance across the four nations, and there's no more fitting method to show that through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Preview

Following its initial set reveal, below are previews of one Ally and a Shrine card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is one beloved supporting character in ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided at the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined in a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's prowess with mechanics, Teo is able to fly through the skies using his glider, even dares the Avatar to a flying contest.

The card Teo represents his love for flying along with the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through allowing the player loot each time you attack using an airborne creature, while additionally pumping your creatures via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you have.

It furthermore drains one more point anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be an impactful addition, considering the card's cheap mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A major drawback of Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH is the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, but this card can be great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently while crossover sets have been receiving a lot of criticism by the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, with the full set set to be released on Nov. 21.