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MTG enthusiasts frequently embrace tribe-based strategies — what player has not built a goblin deck at some point? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set revives 2 popular examples which align perfectly to the setting.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

The initial mechanic, known as "Allies," was introduced with a Zendikar which grants bonuses each time additional permanents bearing the Ally subtype come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents another enchantment type which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, Shrines also gain power when a player controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback of Allies Ability

While Shrines have been shown up occasionally in newer sets, the Ally subtype was far less common — until this changes in ATLA, where this mechanic is central.

The protagonist Aang must recruit numerous allies on the journey to bring back peace across the world, and it's no better way to reflect this in a Magic set.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following the initial card announcement, below are a look of one Ally and one Shrines cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is one popular supporting figure in ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided in an Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's prowess with engineering, he can fly in the air with a flying device, and dares Aang in an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's passion of flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders by letting you loot whenever you attack with a flying creature, and also boosting your creatures via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his home, this is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, depending on how many Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore drains an additional point anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like a strong card, given its cheap mana cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

One big weakness of Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander is that Shrines are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be great in combination alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time while crossover sets are garnering significant hate from the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what MTG requires.

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