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MTG players often adopt tribe-based decks — who hasn't assembled a zombie strategy once or twice? — while the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set revives two well-known examples that match perfectly with its theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial mechanic, known as "Ally," was introduced with the Zendikar set and grants buffs whenever more permanents bearing the Ally subtype come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment type that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also become strength when a player owns additional of them in play.

A Return of Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have appeared here and there across recent releases, the Ally mechanic was far less common — but this changes in ATLA, in which the feature is prominently used.

Aang must assemble many allies during the quest to restore peace across the world, so it's no more fitting way to show that through a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Showcase

After its initial card announcement, below is previews at one Allies and a Shrine card from the new ATLA release.

Teo: The Beloved Character

This character stands as one cherished minor figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom that resided at the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined by a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Because of his father's expertise with engineering, he is able to fly through the skies with his glider, even dares the Avatar in an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's love of flying along with his tribe's reliance on flying machines by letting you draw and discard each time you attack with a flying unit, and additionally strengthening your creatures with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his home, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life when coming into play, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore drains one more point anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like a strong card, given its low cost and valuable ETB ability.

A big drawback for Shrine decks in formats besides Commander are that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but this card is great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

At a time when Universes Beyond products have been receiving significant backlash from the community, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.

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