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MTG players consistently adopt tribal strategies — who hasn't built an elf deck once or twice? — while the forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release is reintroducing two popular examples that align perfectly with its flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One initial mechanic, known as "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar which gives buffs each time additional creatures with the Ally subtype come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is another enchantment subtype which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise gain abilities as a player controls additional of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback for Allies Ability

While Shrine cards have appeared occasionally across recent sets, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — until that ends with ATLA, where this mechanic gets central.

The protagonist Aang has to gather many companions on his quest to bring back balance to the world, so it's no better way to show this through a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following the first card reveal, here are a look of one Ally plus one Shrine cards from the new ATLA set.

Teo: A Beloved Character

Teo is one beloved supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom that lived in an Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's expertise with engineering, he is able to soar through the skies using his glider, even challenges Aang to an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's passion for flying along with the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through allowing you loot whenever a player attacks with an airborne unit, while also boosting your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, it is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card furthermore removes an additional life anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

It appears to be a strong addition, given its cheap mana cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

One big weakness of Shrine-based strategies outside of Commander is that Shrines are always Legendary, but this card can be great when paired alongside another Shrine, which drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently when crossover sets have been receiving significant criticism by fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

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