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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often adopt tribal strategies — who has not assembled a zombie deck once or twice? — and this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set brings back 2 well-known examples that match perfectly to its setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial mechanic, called "Ally," first debuted in a Zendikar set and gives bonuses each time more creatures bearing this subtype come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents an enchantment type that originated in Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also become power as you has additional of them on the battlefield.

The Return of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have been shown up sporadically in recent releases, Allies subtype was much rarer — until that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic is central.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble numerous friends on the journey to restore peace to the four nations, and there's no better method to show this through a Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

After the first set reveal, here are previews of one Allies plus a Shrines card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Beloved Character

This character stands as one beloved minor figure in ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe who resided in an Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a disaster, which left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's prowess with mechanics, he is able to glide in the air with a flying device, even dares Aang to a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's fondness for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines by allowing you draw and discard each time a player attacks with a flying creature, while also pumping your team with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's home, this appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life upon entering play, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

It furthermore drains an additional life whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like a powerful card, given its cheap mana cost and good ETB effect.

One major drawback for Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however this card is great in combination with another Shrine, that drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently when crossover sets are garnering a lot of backlash by fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what MTG needs.

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