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Magic: The Gathering players consistently enjoy tribe-based strategies — who hasn't built a goblin strategy once or twice? — while this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release revives two beloved mechanics which match perfectly to its flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial ability, called "Allies," first debuted with the Zendikar which gives boosts whenever additional permanents bearing this subtype come onto the field.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based type that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments also gain abilities when a player owns more of them on the battlefield.

A Return for Allies Ability

While Shrine cards have shown up sporadically in recent releases, the Ally subtype was much rarer — until this changes in ATLA, where this feature is central.

The protagonist Aang must assemble many allies during his quest to restore balance across the world, so there's no better method to reflect this in a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After its first set reveal, below is previews at an Allies and one Shrine cards from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as one cherished supporting character in ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe who resided at the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined in a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his father's prowess in mechanics, he is able to fly in the air with his glider, and challenges the Avatar to an aerial contest.

This card Teo represents his passion for the skies along with his tribe's reliance of flying machines through letting you loot whenever a player attacks with a flying creature, and also boosting your creatures with counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, this is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you control.

It furthermore drains one more point anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like a powerful addition, given its low mana cost and good ETB ability.

A major weakness of Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander are that these cards are always Legendary, but this card is great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond products have been receiving significant backlash by fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar could be exactly just what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, with all cards set to be launched on Nov. 21.