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Magic: The Gathering fans consistently embrace tribal decks — what player has not constructed an elf strategy at some point? — and this new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release brings back 2 well-known examples that match seamlessly to its flavor.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The first mechanic, called "Allies," was introduced in a Zendikar set which gives boosts each time more permanents with this subtype enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment type that originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become power when a player controls additional of them on the battlefield.

The Return for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically across recent sets, the Ally mechanic was seldom seen — but this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble many companions on the quest to bring back balance across the world, so it's no better way to represent this in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Preview

Following the first card reveal, below are a look at one Ally and one Shrines card in the new ATLA set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as one beloved supporting figure in ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe that resided at an Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's skill in engineering, Teo can soar through the skies using his glider, even dares the Avatar in a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his fondness for flying and the Earth Tribe's use of gliders by letting you draw and discard whenever you attack with an airborne creature, and also boosting your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, it appears as the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life when entering play, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

The card also drains one more life whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This looks like a powerful card, considering its low mana cost and valuable ETB effect.

One big drawback for Shrine decks outside of EDH are the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently when crossover sets are garnering a lot of hate by fans, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period is already here, with all cards will be launched November 21st.