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MTG players often embrace tribe-based decks — what player has not built a goblin deck once or twice? — and this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release is reintroducing 2 well-known mechanics that match perfectly to the setting.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

One first ability, known as "Allies," was introduced in the Zendikar set and provides bonuses each time more creatures bearing the Ally subtype enter the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based type that originated in Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also gain strength when a player owns more of them on the battlefield.

A Return for Allies Ability

While Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally in newer releases, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — until that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must gather many companions on the quest to restore balance across the world, and there's no better way to represent this through an Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

After the first set reveal, here are a look at an Ally plus one Shrine card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is a beloved minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom that lived in an Air Temple after his home was ruined in a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's prowess with engineering, Teo is able to soar through the skies using his glider, and challenges the Avatar in a flying contest.

This card Teo reproduces his fondness for flying and his tribe's use on flying machines by letting you loot whenever you attack with a flying creature, and additionally strengthening your creatures via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, this appears as the card Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total upon coming into play, based on the number of Shrines you control.

The card furthermore removes an additional point anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

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

One major weakness of Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander is that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but this card can be effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Timely Crossover

At a time while crossover products are garnering significant hate from fans, a beloved series like Avatar could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with the full set will be released on Nov. 21.