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MTG players frequently embrace tribe-based decks — what player hasn't built a zombie deck before? — while this upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set is reintroducing 2 beloved examples which match perfectly with its theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial mechanic, known as "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar set and gives bonuses each time more creatures bearing this type come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based type that originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also gain power as you has more of them on the battlefield.

The Return for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have been appeared sporadically in newer sets, Allies mechanic was much rarer — until this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic gets heavily featured.

Aang has to gather a lot of companions on the journey to bring back balance to the four nations, so there's no better way to represent this through an Magic set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After the first card announcement, here is a look at an Allies and one Shrine cards in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

This character is a popular minor figure in ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe that lived at an Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's prowess with engineering, Teo is able to fly in the air with his glider, even challenges the Avatar in a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his love for flying and his tribe's use of gliders through letting the player draw and discard whenever you attack using an airborne unit, and also strengthening your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's home, it is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total when coming into play, depending on the number of Shrines you have.

The card also drains an additional point anytime a Shrine enters the field.

This looks like a strong card, given its cheap mana cost and valuable ETB effect.

One major weakness for Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH are the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is effective when paired with another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond products have been receiving a lot of criticism from the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards set to be launched November 21st.