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MTG players frequently enjoy tribe-based tactics — who hasn't built an elf deck before? — and this upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set is reintroducing two well-known mechanics that match perfectly to the theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The initial mechanic, called "Ally," was debuted in the Zendikar set which grants bonuses each time more creatures with this subtype enter play.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based subtype that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines also become power as you owns additional Shrines in play.

The Return for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically across newer sets, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — until this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must assemble many friends during his journey to restore peace to the world, so there's no better way to show that through a Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

After the initial set announcement, below are a look at an Allies and a Shrine card from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

This character is one cherished supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom that resided at an Air Temple after his home was ruined by a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's prowess in engineering, Teo is able to glide in the air using a flying device, even challenges Aang in an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his fondness of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's use on gliders through allowing you loot whenever a player attacks using a flying unit, while also boosting your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's home, this appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

It also removes one more life anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

This appears to be a powerful addition, considering its cheap mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One big drawback of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH is the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, however this card can be effective in combination with another Shrine, that drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

At a time while crossover products are receiving a lot of backlash from fans, an iconic series like Avatar can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period is already here, with all cards will be released on Nov. 21.