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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently enjoy tribal tactics — what player hasn't assembled an elf strategy at some point? — and the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set is reintroducing 2 beloved examples that match seamlessly with its theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial ability, named "Allies," first debuted in a Zendikar set and grants boosts whenever additional permanents with this type come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based subtype which first appeared in Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become abilities as you controls more of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have shown up here and there across newer sets, Allies mechanic has been much rarer — but this changes in ATLA, in which the mechanic gets central.

The protagonist Aang must recruit numerous companions on the journey to bring back balance to the world, and there's no more fitting method to reflect that in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following its first card announcement, below is previews of one Allies and a Shrine cards in the new ATLA set.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

This character stands as a beloved supporting figure in ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe that lived at the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's prowess in engineering, Teo can soar through the skies using his glider, and dares the Avatar to a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his love of flying and his tribe's use on flying machines by letting the player loot each time you attack with a flying unit, and additionally boosting your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total upon coming into play, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

The card also removes one more life whenever another Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be a powerful card, given its low mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

A major drawback of Shrine decks outside of Commander are the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however this card is great when paired with another Shrine, that drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time while crossover products have been garnering significant hate by fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, with all cards set to be launched on Nov. 21.