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MTG players consistently adopt tribe-based strategies — what player has not assembled a zombie deck at some point? — and this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release is reintroducing 2 well-known examples which fit seamlessly with its flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial ability, known as "Allies," was introduced in a Zendikar set and provides bonuses whenever more creatures with this subtype enter the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based subtype which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, these enchantments also become power when a player controls additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return of Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally across recent releases, the Ally subtype has been much rarer — but this changes with ATLA, in which this feature gets central.

Aang must gather numerous allies during the journey to bring back peace to the four nations, and there's no better method to represent this through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

After the first set announcement, here are previews at one Ally and one Shrines cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as a cherished supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe that resided at the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed in a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his father's prowess in mechanics, Teo is able to glide in the air using a flying device, even dares the Avatar in an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's love for the skies and his tribe's use of flying machines through letting you loot whenever you attack using a flying creature, while additionally strengthening your creatures via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's home, this appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total upon coming into play, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

It also removes one more point whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

It appears to be a powerful addition, given the card's cheap cost plus valuable ETB effect.

A major drawback for Shrine strategies outside of Commander is that Shrines are always Legendary, however this card can be great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond sets have been garnering significant backlash from fans, an iconic series like Avatar can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, and the full set will be released November 21st.