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Magic: The Gathering players consistently adopt tribal strategies — what player has not built a goblin strategy at some point? — while this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set revives two well-known mechanics which align perfectly to its theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first ability, named "Ally," first introduced with the Zendikar which provides buffs whenever more permanents with the Ally type come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based type that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise become abilities as you has more Shrines in play.

A Return for the Ally Ability

While Shrines have shown up sporadically across recent releases, the Ally mechanic has been seldom seen — but that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic gets central.

Aang must recruit a lot of friends during his journey to restore peace across the four nations, and it's no better way to reflect that in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following the initial set reveal, below are previews at one Allies and a Shrine card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as a cherished supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe that resided in the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his father's skill with mechanics, Teo is able to soar through the skies with his glider, even challenges the Avatar in an aerial race.

The card Teo reproduces his fondness of flying and his tribe's reliance on gliders by letting the player draw and discard whenever a player attacks using an airborne creature, and additionally boosting your creatures with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, it is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

It furthermore drains one more life whenever a Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be a strong addition, given its low mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

A major weakness for Shrine decks outside of Commander are that Shrines are always Legendary, however this card can be great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond sets have been receiving a lot of hate from fans, a beloved series such as Avatar can be exactly just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with all cards will be launched November 21st.