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MTG enthusiasts consistently embrace tribe-based strategies — what player hasn't assembled a goblin strategy once or twice? — and the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release revives two well-known examples which match seamlessly with the flavor.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The first mechanic, known as "Allies," first debuted in a Zendikar which grants buffs whenever more permanents with the Ally type come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents another enchantment type which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise gain abilities as you owns additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically in newer releases, the Ally mechanic has been much rarer — until that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature is prominently used.

Aang has to gather a lot of friends during his journey to bring back balance to the four nations, so it's no more fitting way to show this through a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Preview

Following its initial set announcement, below are a look of one Ally and a Shrines card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as a cherished minor figure from ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe who lived in an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's prowess in engineering, Teo can glide in the air with his glider, even dares the Avatar in a flying race.

The card Teo represents Teo's love of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through letting you loot each time you attack with an airborne unit, and also boosting your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life when coming into play, based on the number of Shrines you control.

The card also drains one more point anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like a strong card, considering its cheap mana cost plus good ETB effect.

One major weakness of Shrine-based decks outside of Commander is the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently while crossover products have been garnering significant backlash from the community, an iconic franchise like Avatar can be precisely just what MTG needs.

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