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MTG fans often adopt tribe-based strategies — who has not constructed a zombie strategy at some point? — and the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set revives 2 beloved examples which align seamlessly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The initial mechanic, called "Allies," first introduced with the Zendikar which grants boosts whenever more permanents bearing the Ally type come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based type which first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines likewise gain abilities when a player controls more of them on the battlefield.

A Return of Allies Ability

Although Shrines have appeared here and there across recent releases, Allies mechanic was seldom seen — but that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature gets central.

Aang must assemble a lot of friends on the quest to bring back peace across the world, and there's no better method to represent that in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Preview

After the first set announcement, below are previews at one Ally plus a Shrine card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character is a cherished minor figure from ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe that lived at the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined by a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Due to his father's skill with engineering, Teo is able to fly in the air using his glider, even dares the Avatar in a flying contest.

This card Teo showcases Teo's passion of flying and his tribe's use of flying machines by letting you loot whenever a player attacks with a flying creature, and additionally strengthening your creatures via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's home, it appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total upon entering play, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

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

This looks like an impactful addition, given the card's cheap cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A big weakness for Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is great in combination alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond products have been receiving significant hate by the community, an iconic series such as Avatar could be precisely just what MTG requires.

Preview period has begun, and the full set will be launched November 21st.