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Magic: The Gathering fans frequently adopt tribe-based tactics — what player has not built an elf strategy at some point? — while the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release revives 2 beloved examples that align seamlessly with its theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial mechanic, named "Ally," was introduced in the Zendikar set and provides buffs each time more permanents bearing the Ally subtype come onto the field.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents another enchantment type which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become strength as you owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback for Allies Ability

While Shrines have been appeared here and there across recent sets, Allies subtype was much rarer — until that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must recruit many allies on the journey to bring back balance to the world, and it's no better method to reflect that in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following its first card reveal, here is previews at an Ally and a Shrines card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as a cherished supporting figure in ATLA, a young man of Earth Kingdom that resided in the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's skill with engineering, Teo can soar in the air using a flying device, even challenges Aang to a flying race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his love of the skies and his tribe's reliance of gliders by allowing you loot each time you attack with a flying creature, and also pumping your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, this appears in the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total upon coming into play, depending on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card also removes one more point anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like a powerful card, given its cheap mana cost plus valuable ETB ability.

A big drawback for Shrine decks in formats besides Commander is that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired with another Shrine, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond sets are receiving a lot of hate by fans, an iconic series like Avatar could be exactly just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards set to be released November 21st.