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MTG players often enjoy tribe-based strategies — who hasn't constructed an elf strategy at some point? — and the forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set is reintroducing two beloved mechanics that fit seamlessly with the theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The initial mechanic, called "Allies," first debuted in the Zendikar set and gives boosts each time more permanents bearing this type come onto the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based type that originated in Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise become abilities when you has additional Shrines in play.

The Return for the Ally Ability

While Shrines have shown up occasionally in recent sets, the Ally mechanic has been far less common — but that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature is prominently used.

Aang has to recruit a lot of friends during the journey to bring back peace across the four nations, so it's no better way to reflect this through an Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

After its initial set announcement, here are previews of one Ally and one Shrines cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

This character stands as one beloved minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom who lived in the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined by a disaster, which left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's expertise with mechanics, Teo is able to soar through the skies with a flying device, and dares Aang in an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his passion of the skies along with his tribe's use on gliders by allowing the player draw and discard whenever you attack with a flying unit, and additionally boosting your team with counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you have.

It also drains an additional life whenever another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like a powerful addition, given its cheap cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

One major weakness for Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that these cards are always Legendary, however this card is effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently while crossover sets have been receiving a lot of hate by fans, a beloved series like Avatar could be precisely what MTG needs.

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