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MTG enthusiasts often embrace tribal tactics — who has not built a zombie strategy at some point? — while this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set revives 2 beloved mechanics that align perfectly with the theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The initial mechanic, known as "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar which provides buffs each time additional permanents with this subtype come onto the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is an enchantment subtype which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also gain abilities as you owns more of them in play.

A Comeback of Allies Mechanic

Although Shrines have shown up occasionally in recent sets, Allies mechanic has been far less common — but this ends with ATLA, in which this mechanic is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must gather many companions on the quest to bring back peace across the world, so it's no better method to represent that in a Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following the first card reveal, here is previews of one Ally and one Shrine cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is a popular supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom that lived at the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's prowess in engineering, he is able to soar through the skies with a flying device, even dares Aang to an aerial race.

The card Teo reproduces Teo's passion for flying along with the Earth Tribe's use on gliders by allowing you loot each time you attack with a flying creature, while additionally pumping your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, this appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

The card also removes an additional point anytime another Shrine enters the field.

It looks like a strong card, considering the card's cheap cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

A big weakness of Shrine-based decks outside of Commander are that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but this card is effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond sets have been receiving significant hate by fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period has begun, and the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.