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MTG players often embrace tribal decks — what player has not assembled a goblin strategy once or twice? — and the forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release is reintroducing two well-known examples which fit seamlessly to its setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first mechanic, called "Ally," first introduced in the Zendikar set which provides buffs whenever more permanents with this subtype come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based type that originated with Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise gain power when a player has additional of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have been shown up here and there across newer sets, the Ally mechanic was far less common — until this ends in ATLA, in which this mechanic is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to gather numerous companions during the quest to bring back balance to the four nations, and there's no more fitting way to represent that through an Magic set.

Exclusive Card Preview

After its initial set announcement, here are a look at one Allies plus one Shrines cards from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as a beloved supporting figure from ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe that lived at an Air Temple following his home was ruined by a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's expertise with engineering, he is able to glide in the air with a flying device, and dares the Avatar to an aerial contest.

The card Teo reproduces his fondness for the skies and his tribe's use on flying machines by allowing you loot whenever a player attacks using a flying unit, and also strengthening your team with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, it appears as the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total upon entering play, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore drains an additional life anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like a strong card, considering the card's cheap cost and valuable enter the battlefield ability.

A major weakness for Shrine-based decks outside of Commander are that these cards are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be effective in combination alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently while crossover sets are receiving a lot of criticism by the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar can be precisely what MTG needs.

Spoiler season has begun, and the full set set to be released November 21st.