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Magic: The Gathering players consistently embrace tribe-based strategies — what player hasn't assembled a goblin strategy at some point? — and this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release revives two popular mechanics that align perfectly with its theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The initial ability, called "Allies," first debuted in the Zendikar set and provides buffs each time more creatures with this subtype come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based type which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise become power as a player owns more of them in play.

The Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have shown up occasionally in recent sets, Allies mechanic has been much rarer — until this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic gets heavily featured.

Aang has to recruit many allies during the quest to restore peace to the world, so there's no better way to show this in an Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

After its first card reveal, here is a look at one Allies plus one Shrine card from the new ATLA set.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

This character stands as one popular supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom who resided in an Air Temple after his village was destroyed in a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's prowess with mechanics, he is able to fly through the skies using a flying device, even challenges the Avatar in a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's passion for the skies and his tribe's use of flying machines through letting the player loot whenever a player attacks using a flying creature, while also strengthening your team via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's home, it appears in the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you control.

It furthermore drains one more point anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like an impactful card, considering its low mana cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

A big drawback for Shrine strategies outside of EDH is the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond products have been garnering significant criticism by fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what MTG requires.

Preview period is already here, and the full set will be released November 21st.