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Magic: The Gathering players consistently adopt tribe-based tactics — what player hasn't assembled a zombie deck before? — and this new ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back 2 popular examples which align perfectly with its flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first ability, known as "Allies," first introduced with a Zendikar and gives bonuses each time additional creatures with the Ally subtype come onto the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based subtype that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, these enchantments also gain abilities as you owns additional of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrines have shown up here and there across newer releases, the Ally subtype was far less common — but this changes in ATLA, where this feature gets prominently used.

Aang has to recruit many companions during his quest to bring back peace across the world, and there's no more fitting way to represent that in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

After its initial set announcement, below are previews at an Ally plus a Shrine card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is one popular minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe that lived at the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed in a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's prowess in mechanics, he can fly through the skies with his glider, and challenges Aang in a flying contest.

The card Teo showcases his fondness of the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines through allowing the player loot whenever a player attacks with a flying unit, and additionally pumping your creatures via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, it appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life when entering the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you have.

It furthermore removes one more point whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like a powerful card, considering its cheap cost plus good ETB ability.

One big weakness for Shrine decks in formats besides Commander is the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however this card can be effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond sets have been receiving a lot of hate by the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with the full set set to be released November 21st.