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Magic: The Gathering players consistently enjoy tribal decks — who hasn't assembled an elf strategy before? — while the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set is reintroducing 2 well-known examples which align seamlessly with its setting.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

One initial mechanic, named "Ally," was debuted with a Zendikar set which provides buffs each time more creatures bearing the Ally subtype enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based type which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, Shrines also become abilities as a player owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback of Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally in recent releases, the Ally mechanic was far less common — until this changes with ATLA, where this mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble numerous friends on his journey to restore balance to the world, so there's no more fitting method to reflect this through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

After its first set announcement, here are previews of an Allies and one Shrine cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

Teo is one cherished minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of Earth Kingdom that lived in an Air Temple following his village was ruined in a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his father's prowess in engineering, Teo is able to glide through the skies with a flying device, and dares Aang to an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his passion of flying along with his tribe's reliance of gliders through allowing you loot whenever you attack using a flying unit, and additionally strengthening your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's home, this is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you have.

It furthermore removes one more life anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be an impactful addition, given the card's low mana cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

One major weakness for Shrine decks in formats besides Commander is the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, however this card is great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time when crossover products have been garnering significant backlash by fans, a beloved series such as Avatar can be exactly just what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, with the full set set to be launched November 21st.