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Magic: The Gathering players frequently embrace tribal strategies — who hasn't assembled an elf deck at some point? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release brings back 2 well-known mechanics that align perfectly to the flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first ability, known as "Ally," was introduced in the Zendikar and provides boosts each time more creatures bearing the Ally type enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based type that originated with Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, Shrines also become abilities as you owns additional Shrines in play.

The Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have appeared occasionally across newer releases, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — until this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature gets central.

The protagonist Aang must assemble many companions during his quest to bring back balance to the world, so it's no better way to show that in a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

After its initial card reveal, below is a look of one Allies and a Shrines card in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is one cherished minor character from ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe who lived at an Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's skill in mechanics, Teo is able to soar through the skies using his glider, and challenges Aang in a flying race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his love of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines by allowing the player draw and discard each time you attack with a flying unit, and additionally strengthening your creatures with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life total when entering play, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

It furthermore drains an additional point anytime a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be a strong addition, considering the card's cheap mana cost plus valuable ETB ability.

One major weakness of Shrine strategies outside of Commander is the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however this card can be effective in combination with another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time when crossover sets have been receiving a lot of criticism from fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, and the full set will be released on Nov. 21.