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MTG enthusiasts frequently enjoy tribal decks — what player has not constructed a zombie deck at some point? — and this new ATLA Universes Beyond release is reintroducing 2 well-known mechanics which match seamlessly to its setting.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The first mechanic, known as "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar set which provides boosts whenever additional creatures bearing this type enter play.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment type that originated with Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines also gain abilities when you has more Shrines in play.

A Return for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been shown up here and there in newer releases, Allies mechanic has been much rarer — but this ends with ATLA, in which this mechanic is central.

Aang must recruit many companions during the quest to bring back balance to the world, and there's no better way to show this in an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After its initial set reveal, here is previews of one Allies plus one Shrines card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Beloved Character

Teo stands as a cherished minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe who lived in an Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's expertise in engineering, Teo can glide through the skies with his glider, and dares Aang in a flying race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his passion for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders by allowing you draw and discard each time you attack using a flying creature, while additionally strengthening your creatures with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, it appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life upon entering play, depending on how many Shrine cards you control.

The card also drains an additional point whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

This appears to be a powerful addition, given its low mana cost and good ETB effect.

A big drawback for Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that these cards are always Legendary, however this card can be effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently while crossover products are receiving significant criticism by the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, with all cards set to be launched November 21st.