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Magic: The Gathering players often embrace tribal tactics — who has not built a goblin strategy before? — while this upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release is reintroducing 2 well-known mechanics which align seamlessly to its flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first mechanic, called "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar and provides boosts whenever more permanents with this subtype come onto play.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based subtype which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, Shrines also become power when a player has more of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback of Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have been shown up sporadically in newer releases, Allies subtype has been much rarer — until this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature gets central.

The protagonist Aang has to gather many friends during his quest to restore balance to the world, and there's no better way to show this in an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

Following its first card announcement, here is a look of an Ally and one Shrine card from the new ATLA set.

Teo: A Beloved Figure

Teo is a cherished supporting figure in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe who resided in the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's skill with engineering, he is able to glide through the skies using a flying device, even dares the Avatar to an aerial contest.

This card Teo represents Teo's love for the skies and his tribe's reliance on flying machines by allowing you loot each time a player attacks using a flying unit, and additionally strengthening your creatures with counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore drains an additional point whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like a strong addition, given its low mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A big drawback for Shrine decks in formats besides Commander is that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however this card is effective in combination alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond sets are receiving a lot of hate from fans, a beloved series such as Avatar can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set will be launched November 21st.