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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often embrace tribe-based tactics — what player has not constructed a goblin deck at some point? — and the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back two popular examples which align seamlessly to its setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first ability, named "Ally," first introduced in a Zendikar set and gives bonuses each time additional permanents bearing this type come onto the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based subtype which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also gain abilities as you controls additional of them in play.

A Return of Allies Ability

While Shrine cards have shown up sporadically in recent releases, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — but this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the mechanic gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit a lot of friends on his journey to restore peace across the world, and there's no better method to reflect this through a Magic set.

Exclusive Card Showcase

After its first card announcement, below are a look at an Allies and one Shrine cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

This character stands as one popular supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe that resided at an Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's expertise with engineering, Teo is able to glide through the skies with a flying device, and dares Aang to an aerial race.

The card Teo reproduces Teo's love for the skies along with his tribe's use of gliders by letting the player loot whenever a player attacks with a flying creature, and additionally strengthening your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you have.

It furthermore drains one more point whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like a strong addition, given its low cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

A big weakness for Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH are the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, but this card can be effective in combination with another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently while crossover products have been receiving significant hate from fans, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

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