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MTG players often embrace tribal strategies — who has not built an elf strategy at some point? — while this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set revives 2 beloved examples that align perfectly to its setting.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One initial ability, called "Ally," first introduced in a Zendikar and provides boosts each time more permanents bearing this subtype come onto the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based type which originated in Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines likewise become strength when a player controls additional of them in play.

The Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have been appeared occasionally in recent releases, the Ally subtype was far less common — but that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature is prominently used.

Aang must gather a lot of companions on his quest to bring back balance to the four nations, and it's no better method to show that in an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

After the initial set reveal, below are previews of an Allies plus a Shrines cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as a cherished minor character from ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe that lived at the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's skill with engineering, he is able to soar through the skies with a flying device, and dares Aang in a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's love for flying along with his tribe's use of gliders through allowing you loot each time you attack using an airborne unit, and also boosting your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his home, this appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life when coming into play, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

The card furthermore drains one more point whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like a strong card, considering its low mana cost and good ETB effect.

One big drawback for Shrine decks outside of EDH is the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, however this card is effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

At a time while crossover sets are receiving a lot of backlash from fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar could be exactly what MTG needs.

Preview period is already here, with the full set will be released November 21st.