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MTG fans often enjoy tribe-based strategies — what player hasn't assembled an elf strategy at some point? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release brings back 2 beloved mechanics that match seamlessly to its setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial mechanic, named "Ally," first introduced in a Zendikar set and provides buffs whenever more creatures with the Ally type enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based subtype that first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise become abilities as a player controls additional Shrines in play.

A Comeback of Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have been shown up here and there across recent sets, Allies mechanic was far less common — until that ends in ATLA, in which the feature is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must assemble many allies on the quest to restore balance across the world, and it's no more fitting way to represent this through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following its initial set announcement, here are previews of an Ally and a Shrines card from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as one beloved minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom who lived at the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's skill with mechanics, he can soar in the air using his glider, and dares the Avatar in a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's passion for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines by letting you draw and discard each time a player attacks with an airborne unit, and also pumping your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's home, this appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life when coming into play, based on how many of Shrines you control.

The card furthermore drains an additional life anytime another Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be a strong addition, given its low mana cost plus valuable ETB ability.

One major drawback of Shrine decks outside of EDH are the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, however this card can be great when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently when crossover products are receiving significant criticism from the community, an iconic franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, and the full set will be released November 21st.