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Magic: The Gathering players frequently adopt tribal strategies — who hasn't constructed an elf deck once or twice? — while this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set brings back two popular mechanics which fit seamlessly with the flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The first mechanic, called "Allies," first introduced in the Zendikar set which provides boosts whenever additional permanents with the Ally subtype come onto the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based type which originated in Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribe, these enchantments also gain strength when you has more of them in play.

The Comeback of the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally across newer sets, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — but this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic gets central.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit a lot of allies on the journey to restore peace across the four nations, and there's no better way to show that through an Magic set.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following its initial card reveal, below is previews of one Allies plus one Shrines cards in the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Character

This character stands as a popular supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe who lived at an Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's prowess with engineering, Teo is able to fly through the skies using his glider, even challenges Aang in an aerial contest.

This card Teo represents his love for flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines through letting the player loot whenever you attack with a flying creature, and additionally pumping your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, it appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total when coming into play, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

It furthermore removes an additional point whenever another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like an impactful addition, given the card's cheap mana cost and valuable ETB ability.

A major weakness for Shrine decks in formats besides EDH is the fact that these cards are always Legendary, but this card is great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time while crossover products are receiving significant criticism from the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what MTG requires.

Preview period has begun, with all cards set to be released November 21st.