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MTG fans often adopt tribe-based strategies — what player has not built an elf deck before? — while this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set revives 2 popular examples which fit seamlessly to the flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first ability, known as "Ally," was introduced in a Zendikar set and grants boosts whenever more creatures with the Ally type enter the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment subtype which originated in Kamigawa. While not a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise gain power as you controls additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback of the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have been shown up here and there across recent sets, the Ally mechanic has been far less common — until that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must recruit numerous allies during the journey to restore peace to the world, so there's no more fitting way to show that through a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Showcase

After the initial card announcement, here are a look at an Allies and one Shrines cards from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo: The Beloved Character

Teo is a cherished minor figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided at the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's expertise in mechanics, he is able to fly in the air using his glider, even challenges the Avatar in a flying contest.

This card Teo represents Teo's passion for flying along with the Earth Tribe's use on flying machines by letting you draw and discard whenever you attack with an airborne unit, while additionally strengthening your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, this is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total when coming into play, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

The card furthermore removes an additional point anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This looks like an impactful addition, considering its low mana cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

One big drawback of Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH are that these cards are always legendary permanents, but this card is effective in combination alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond sets have been garnering significant hate by the community, an iconic series like Avatar could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, with the full set will be released on Nov. 21.