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MTG fans often embrace tribe-based strategies — who hasn't constructed a zombie deck at some point? — while the forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release brings back two popular mechanics that fit seamlessly to the setting.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The first ability, named "Ally," was introduced in a Zendikar set which provides buffs whenever more creatures bearing this subtype come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents another enchantment type that first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise become abilities when a player has more of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have shown up here and there across recent sets, the Ally subtype has been far less common — but this changes with ATLA, in which the mechanic gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must assemble numerous companions during the quest to restore peace to the four nations, and there's no more fitting method to reflect this through an Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

After the first set announcement, here is previews of an Ally plus one Shrine card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

This character stands as a popular supporting character in ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided in an Air Temple after his village was ruined by a disaster, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his father's skill in engineering, Teo can glide through the skies with a flying device, even challenges Aang to an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's passion for the skies and the Earth Tribe's use on flying machines through allowing the player loot whenever you attack with an airborne creature, while also boosting your team via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's home, this is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total upon entering play, depending on the number Shrine cards you control.

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

This looks like a powerful card, given its low mana cost plus good ETB ability.

One major weakness of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH is the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond sets are receiving significant backlash by the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar could be exactly just what MTG requires.

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