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Magic: The Gathering players frequently enjoy tribal tactics — what player hasn't constructed a goblin strategy before? — while this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release revives two well-known mechanics which fit seamlessly to the flavor.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One initial ability, named "Ally," first debuted with the Zendikar set which grants buffs whenever more permanents bearing this subtype come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based subtype which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines also gain strength when you owns more Shrines in play.

The Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have appeared occasionally across recent sets, Allies mechanic was much rarer — until this changes in ATLA, where the mechanic is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble a lot of allies on the quest to bring back balance to the world, and it's no better way to reflect that through a Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After its initial set announcement, here are a look at one Allies and a Shrines card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

Teo stands as one beloved minor figure from ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe that lived at an Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's prowess in mechanics, he can soar in the air using his glider, even challenges the Avatar to an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his passion for flying and his tribe's use on gliders through allowing you draw and discard each time you attack with a flying unit, while also pumping your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's home, it appears in the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total upon entering play, depending on the number Shrine cards you control.

It also removes one more life anytime a Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be a strong card, given its cheap mana cost plus good ETB effect.

A big weakness of Shrine decks outside of Commander are that Shrines are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond sets are garnering significant criticism from fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, and all cards set to be released November 21st.