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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently enjoy tribal decks — what player has not assembled an elf strategy at some point? — and the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release revives 2 well-known mechanics that fit perfectly to its theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first ability, called "Allies," was introduced in a Zendikar set which gives bonuses whenever more permanents bearing the Ally type enter the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is another enchantment type which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines also become power as you controls additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrines have been shown up here and there across newer releases, Allies subtype was much rarer — but this changes in ATLA, in which this feature gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble a lot of allies on his quest to bring back balance across the world, so there's no more fitting way to show that through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

Following the first card reveal, below are a look at one Allies and a Shrine cards from the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as one cherished supporting figure from ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided at the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's prowess with mechanics, he can soar in the air using his glider, and dares the Avatar to a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's fondness for flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines through letting you loot whenever you attack using an airborne unit, and also strengthening your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, this appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total upon entering play, depending on the number of Shrines you have.

It furthermore removes an additional life anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This appears to be an impactful card, considering its cheap cost and valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One major weakness of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander is the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but this card can be effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

At a time while crossover products have been garnering a lot of criticism from the community, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards set to be launched on Nov. 21.