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MTG enthusiasts often adopt tribal tactics — who has not constructed an elf strategy before? — while this new ATLA Universes Beyond set is reintroducing 2 popular examples that fit perfectly to its theme.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One first mechanic, called "Allies," was introduced in a Zendikar and provides bonuses each time additional permanents with the Ally type come onto the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents another enchantment type which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also gain power when you has additional of them in play.

A Return of the Ally Ability

While Shrines have shown up sporadically in recent releases, the Ally subtype has been far less common — but this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must recruit a lot of allies during his quest to bring back balance across the four nations, so there's no better way to show this through a Magic expansion.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

After the first card announcement, here are previews of one Allies and one Shrine cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

Teo is one popular supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe who lived in an Air Temple after his home was ruined in a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's skill with engineering, he is able to soar in the air using his glider, even dares Aang to an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's passion for flying and the Earth Tribe's use of gliders by allowing you draw and discard 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 Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, this is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total when coming into play, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore removes an additional point anytime another Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be an impactful addition, considering the card's low mana cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

One big weakness of Shrine decks outside of Commander are that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but this card is effective when paired alongside another Shrine, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond sets are receiving a lot of hate by fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, and the full set set to be released November 21st.