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Magic: The Gathering fans often enjoy tribal tactics — who has not assembled an elf strategy once or twice? — while the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release revives two beloved examples that match seamlessly to its setting.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One first mechanic, named "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar set which grants buffs whenever more permanents with the Ally type enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents an enchantment subtype that first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become power when a player owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return of Allies Ability

While Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically in recent sets, Allies subtype has been far less common — until that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic gets central.

Aang must assemble a lot of friends during his journey to bring back peace to the four nations, so it's no more fitting way to reflect this in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following the first card announcement, below is a look at one Ally and a Shrines card from the new ATLA release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as a beloved supporting character in ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided at the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined by a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's skill with engineering, Teo can soar through the skies with his glider, even dares Aang to an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's love for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's use on gliders by letting the player loot whenever a player attacks using an airborne unit, while additionally pumping your creatures via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, it appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you control.

It also drains one more life anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This appears to be an impactful card, considering its low cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

A major weakness of Shrine strategies outside of Commander are that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but this card is great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond products have been garnering a lot of criticism from fans, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with the full set will be released November 21st.