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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently adopt tribal decks — who hasn't assembled a goblin deck before? — while this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release is reintroducing two popular mechanics which match seamlessly with its flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One initial ability, named "Allies," first introduced in the Zendikar which provides bonuses whenever more creatures bearing the Ally type enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based subtype that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines also become strength as a player owns more of them in play.

The Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been shown up here and there across newer sets, Allies subtype was much rarer — until that changes in ATLA, where the mechanic gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to gather many companions on the journey to bring back balance across the world, and it's no better way to reflect this in a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following its first set reveal, here are previews of one Allies plus a Shrine cards from the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

Teo stands as one beloved minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom who resided at an Air Temple after his village was ruined by a disaster, which left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's prowess with engineering, he can fly through the skies with his glider, even dares the Avatar to an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his passion for flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders by allowing the player loot whenever you attack with a flying unit, and also strengthening your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, this appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you control.

It also removes one more point whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This looks like an impactful card, considering its cheap mana cost plus valuable ETB effect.

A major drawback for Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH is the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is great in combination alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

At a time while crossover products are garnering a lot of backlash by the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period is already here, with all cards will be launched November 21st.