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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently enjoy tribal strategies — who hasn't constructed a goblin strategy at some point? — while the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release is reintroducing two beloved examples which fit perfectly with its theme.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

The initial ability, known as "Allies," first introduced in the Zendikar set and grants boosts each time more creatures with the Ally type enter the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based type which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain abilities as you controls additional Shrines in play.

The Comeback for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrines have been shown up occasionally across newer releases, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — but this ends with ATLA, where this mechanic is prominently used.

Aang must recruit a lot of companions on his journey to restore balance to the world, and there's no better way to show that through an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

Following the first card announcement, here are a look of one Ally plus a Shrines card from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

This character stands as one beloved minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe that resided in an Air Temple after his village was ruined in a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's skill with engineering, he is able to soar through the skies with a flying device, and dares the Avatar in a flying contest.

The card Teo reproduces his fondness of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's use on gliders by letting you loot whenever you attack using an airborne unit, while additionally boosting your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, depending on how many Shrine cards you control.

It also removes one more life anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be an impactful addition, given the card's cheap mana cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

A major drawback of Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH are that Shrines are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be great when paired alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

At a time when Universes Beyond sets have been garnering a lot of backlash from fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what MTG requires.

Preview period is already here, with the full set will be released November 21st.