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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently adopt tribal strategies — what player hasn't constructed a zombie strategy once or twice? — while the forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set is reintroducing 2 popular mechanics which fit seamlessly with its setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first mechanic, known as "Allies," first debuted in the Zendikar and grants boosts whenever additional creatures bearing the Ally subtype come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based subtype which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise gain strength when you owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback for Allies Ability

While Shrines have shown up occasionally across newer releases, the Ally mechanic was far less common — until that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic is prominently used.

Aang has to recruit many friends during the journey to restore peace to the world, so it's no more fitting way to reflect this through an Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

After the initial set announcement, below are a look at one Allies plus a Shrine cards from the new ATLA release.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

Teo stands as a popular minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe that resided at an Air Temple following his village was ruined in a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's skill in engineering, Teo is able to soar through the skies using his glider, even challenges Aang in an aerial contest.

The card Teo showcases Teo's love of flying along with his tribe's reliance on gliders through letting the player loot each time you attack with an airborne creature, while additionally pumping your team via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, it is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life when entering the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you have.

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

This looks like a powerful addition, considering its low cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One major drawback for Shrine strategies outside of EDH is the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, however this card can be effective when paired alongside another Shrine, that drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond products are garnering a lot of backlash from the community, a beloved series like Avatar could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set set to be launched November 21st.