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MTG players consistently adopt tribe-based decks — what player has not built an elf strategy once or twice? — and the forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set revives 2 popular mechanics which fit perfectly to the setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first mechanic, known as "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar which gives bonuses each time more creatures with this subtype come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based subtype that originated in Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also become power when a player controls more of them in play.

The Return of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have been appeared occasionally in recent sets, the Ally mechanic has been far less common — but this ends in ATLA, where the feature gets central.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit many friends during the quest to restore peace across the world, and it's no better method to represent that in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

After its initial set reveal, here is a look of an Ally and a Shrines cards in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is one popular supporting character from ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom that lived at an Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his father's expertise in mechanics, Teo is able to glide through the skies with his glider, and challenges Aang in a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his passion of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines through allowing you loot whenever a player attacks with an airborne creature, and additionally boosting your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life when coming into play, based on how many of Shrines you control.

The card furthermore drains an additional point whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be a powerful card, given its cheap mana cost and good ETB ability.

One major drawback of Shrine-based strategies outside of Commander are the fact that these cards are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond sets have been receiving significant backlash from fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

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