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MTG players frequently embrace tribe-based decks — who hasn't assembled a zombie strategy once or twice? — while this new ATLA Universes Beyond release revives 2 beloved examples which fit perfectly to its flavor.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The first mechanic, called "Allies," was introduced with the Zendikar set which grants buffs each time additional permanents bearing this subtype enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based subtype which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines also become strength when you controls additional of them in play.

A Return for the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have appeared here and there across newer sets, the Ally subtype was far less common — but this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature gets heavily featured.

Aang has to gather many allies on his journey to bring back peace to the world, and there's no better way to represent that through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following the initial card announcement, below is a look at one Allies plus one Shrine card in the new ATLA set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character is a beloved supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe who resided in the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's expertise in engineering, he is able to fly through the skies using a flying device, even challenges the Avatar to an aerial contest.

The card Teo showcases his fondness of the skies and the Earth Tribe's use of flying machines through letting you loot whenever you attack using an airborne creature, and also pumping your team with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, this is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life upon coming into play, based on how many Shrine cards you have.

It also drains an additional point whenever another Shrine enters the field.

It looks like a strong card, given its cheap mana cost and valuable ETB ability.

One big weakness of Shrine decks outside of EDH are the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be effective in combination with another Shrine, that drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Timely Crossover

At a time when crossover sets have been receiving significant hate by fans, a beloved series like Avatar could be precisely just what MTG needs.

Preview period is already here, and all cards set to be released November 21st.