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MTG enthusiasts often embrace tribal strategies — what player hasn't assembled a zombie strategy once or twice? — while this new ATLA Universes Beyond set is reintroducing 2 beloved examples which align seamlessly to the setting.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

One first mechanic, named "Ally," first debuted in a Zendikar which gives boosts whenever more creatures with the Ally type enter play.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based type that first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also gain power when a player controls more of them in play.

The Return of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have appeared sporadically in newer sets, Allies subtype was seldom seen — until this changes in ATLA, where this mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble many companions during his quest to restore balance across the world, so there's no better way to represent that through an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following the first card reveal, below are previews of an Ally plus one Shrine card from the new ATLA set.

Teo: The Beloved Character

This character is a cherished minor figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe that lived in the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined by a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his father's prowess with engineering, he can soar through the skies using his glider, even dares the Avatar to a flying contest.

This card Teo reproduces his love for flying along with his tribe's use of gliders through letting you loot whenever you attack with a flying creature, and also boosting your team with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore removes one more point whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

This appears to be an impactful card, considering the card's low cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

One major weakness for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH is the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, however this card can be effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently while crossover products have been receiving significant criticism by fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and the full set set to be released November 21st.