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Magic: The Gathering players often embrace tribe-based tactics — what player has not built a goblin deck once or twice? — while the forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release revives two beloved examples that match perfectly to the setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first ability, known as "Allies," first introduced in the Zendikar set and grants bonuses whenever more creatures with this type come onto play.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is another enchantment subtype which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain strength when a player has more Shrines in play.

The Comeback for the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have appeared here and there across newer releases, Allies mechanic has been much rarer — but this changes in ATLA, in which the mechanic gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble many companions during his journey to bring back balance to the world, so it's no better method to show this through a Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

After the first card announcement, below is a look at an Allies and one Shrine cards in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as one beloved supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe that lived in an Air Temple after his home was ruined in a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's prowess with engineering, Teo can soar in the air with his glider, and dares the Avatar in a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's passion for the skies along with his tribe's reliance of gliders by letting you loot whenever a player attacks with an airborne unit, while also boosting your team via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, it is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore drains one more point anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like a strong addition, considering its low cost and valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One big weakness for Shrine decks outside of Commander are the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is great in combination with another Shrine, which drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond sets are receiving a lot of criticism by the community, a beloved series like Avatar could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season is already here, with the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.