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MTG enthusiasts frequently enjoy tribal strategies — who has not assembled a goblin strategy before? — and the new ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back 2 well-known mechanics which align perfectly with its setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first ability, known as "Allies," was introduced in the Zendikar set and grants boosts each time additional creatures bearing the Ally type come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based subtype which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines also become strength as you owns additional of them in play.

The Comeback for the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have appeared here and there across recent releases, the Ally mechanic was seldom seen — but this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble many companions on his quest to restore balance to the four nations, and there's no more fitting way to show this through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

After its first set reveal, below is a look at an Allies plus a Shrine card in the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

Teo stands as one cherished minor figure from ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom who resided at an Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Due to his father's prowess in engineering, Teo can fly through the skies using his glider, even dares Aang to a flying race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's love of the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders by allowing the player draw and discard each time a player attacks using an airborne unit, while additionally pumping your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine

Speaking of his home, this is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you control.

It also removes an additional point anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like a powerful card, considering its cheap cost and good ETB ability.

A major drawback of Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH is the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, but this card is effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently when crossover sets are receiving a lot of backlash by fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season is already here, with the full set will be released November 21st.