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Magic: The Gathering players consistently embrace tribe-based tactics — who has not built a zombie strategy once or twice? — while this new ATLA Universes Beyond set is reintroducing 2 well-known examples that align seamlessly with the theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial mechanic, named "Allies," was debuted with a Zendikar and provides bonuses each time more permanents with this subtype come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents another enchantment type that originated in Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, Shrines likewise become power as you has additional Shrines in play.

A Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have been shown up sporadically across recent releases, the Ally subtype has been much rarer — until that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature gets central.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble numerous friends during the quest to bring back peace across the world, so it's no more fitting method to represent that through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following its first card announcement, below is previews of an Allies plus a Shrine cards from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

This character is one cherished minor figure in ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe that lived at an Air Temple following his village was ruined in a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's prowess in engineering, he is able to glide through the skies with a flying device, even dares Aang in an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his passion of the skies along with his tribe's reliance on flying machines by allowing you loot each time you attack using a flying creature, while additionally strengthening your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Regarding his home, this is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life when coming into play, based on the number of Shrines you have.

The card also removes an additional life anytime another Shrine enters the field.

It looks like a strong addition, considering its cheap cost plus good ETB ability.

A major weakness for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander are that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but this card can be effective when paired alongside another Shrine, which drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently when crossover sets have been receiving significant backlash from fans, an iconic series like Avatar can be exactly just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards set to be released on Nov. 21.