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Magic: The Gathering fans often embrace tribal tactics — who hasn't built a goblin strategy once or twice? — while the forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release is reintroducing 2 popular mechanics that fit seamlessly to its theme.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

One initial ability, known as "Allies," first debuted with a Zendikar set and grants buffs whenever more permanents bearing the Ally subtype come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based subtype that first appeared with Kamigawa. While not a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise gain abilities as a player controls additional of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback of the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have been appeared here and there across newer sets, the Ally mechanic was much rarer — until that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit many companions on the quest to restore balance to the four nations, and it's no more fitting way to show that in an Magic set.

Exclusive Card Showcase

After the initial set reveal, below is a look at an Allies and a Shrines cards from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is one popular supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe that resided at an Air Temple after his village was ruined by a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's expertise in engineering, Teo is able to fly through the skies using a flying device, and challenges the Avatar in an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his fondness of flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders through allowing the player draw and discard whenever a player attacks with a flying unit, and also boosting your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, it appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life when coming into play, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

It furthermore removes an additional life anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This appears to be an impactful card, considering its cheap cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

One big drawback for Shrine decks outside of Commander is that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but this card is great when paired with another Shrine, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

At a time when crossover products have been garnering significant backlash by fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely what MTG requires.

Preview period is already here, with all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.