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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts consistently adopt tribal tactics — what player has not built a goblin deck at some point? — and this upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release is reintroducing 2 well-known examples that fit perfectly with its theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first ability, known as "Allies," was introduced in the Zendikar and grants buffs each time additional permanents bearing the Ally type enter the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based type which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain strength when a player controls additional of them in play.

A Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have appeared occasionally in newer sets, the Ally mechanic was far less common — but this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic gets central.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit a lot of companions on the journey to restore peace to the world, and there's no more fitting method to reflect this through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following its first card announcement, here is a look at one Allies and one Shrine card from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Character

This character stands as a popular supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe who lived at the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined in a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's prowess in engineering, Teo is able to glide through the skies using his glider, even dares the Avatar in an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his love of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines through allowing the player draw and discard whenever you attack using a flying creature, while also strengthening your team via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, this is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life upon coming into play, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card also drains one more point anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be an impactful card, considering its low mana cost plus good ETB ability.

A major drawback for Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander is the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be great in combination alongside another Shrine, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

Currently while crossover products have been receiving a lot of backlash by the community, an iconic franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, and all cards will be released November 21st.