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MTG enthusiasts consistently embrace tribe-based tactics — who has not built an elf strategy before? — while this new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set brings back two beloved mechanics which fit seamlessly to the setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first mechanic, known as "Allies," was debuted with a Zendikar and provides buffs whenever additional permanents with this subtype come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment subtype which first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, Shrines also gain power when a player owns more Shrines in play.

The Comeback for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrines have been appeared sporadically across newer releases, Allies mechanic was seldom seen — but this ends in ATLA, where this feature is prominently used.

Aang must gather numerous friends during his quest to bring back balance to the four nations, so it's no better way to show this through a Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

After the initial card announcement, here is a look at one Ally plus one Shrine cards in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Character

This character is a cherished minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe who lived at an Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's prowess with mechanics, he is able to glide through the skies with his glider, and dares Aang to a flying contest.

This card Teo showcases his fondness for flying and his tribe's reliance on gliders by allowing the player loot each time a player attacks using an airborne creature, while additionally boosting your team via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, it is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore removes an additional point whenever another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like an impactful addition, given the card's low mana cost and good ETB effect.

One big drawback for Shrine decks in formats besides Commander are that these cards are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is effective when paired with another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond sets are receiving significant hate from fans, an iconic series such as Avatar could be exactly what MTG requires.

Preview period is already here, with the full set set to be launched November 21st.