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MTG fans frequently adopt tribe-based strategies — who has not constructed an elf deck before? — and this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set brings back 2 beloved examples that fit perfectly with the flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial ability, named "Allies," was introduced with a Zendikar and grants bonuses each time more permanents with this subtype enter the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is an enchantment type which originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also gain strength as you has additional Shrines in play.

A Return for Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have been appeared sporadically across newer releases, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — until that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature gets central.

Aang has to recruit numerous friends during the quest to bring back peace to the world, and it's no more fitting way to reflect this through a Magic set.

Revealed Card Showcase

After the first set announcement, here are a look at an Allies plus one Shrine cards in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Character

Teo is a cherished supporting character in ATLA, a boy of Earth Kingdom who resided at an Air Temple following his home was ruined by a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's skill with engineering, he can soar in the air using his glider, even dares Aang to a flying contest.

The card Teo showcases his passion for flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders through letting you loot each time a player attacks using a flying creature, while additionally boosting your creatures via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, it is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

It furthermore removes one more point whenever a Shrine enters the field.

This looks like an impactful card, considering its cheap cost and good ETB ability.

A major drawback for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander is that these cards are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be great when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently while crossover products are receiving significant criticism by the community, an iconic series such as Avatar could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards set to be launched November 21st.