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MTG players frequently adopt tribal decks — who hasn't assembled a goblin strategy before? — and the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release brings back two popular examples which align perfectly with the flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One initial mechanic, called "Ally," first debuted in a Zendikar set and gives buffs whenever more permanents bearing the Ally subtype come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is an enchantment type that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not a creature tribe, these enchantments also become abilities when you has more of them on the battlefield.

A Return for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have shown up sporadically across newer releases, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — but this changes in ATLA, in which the feature is central.

Aang has to assemble a lot of companions on the journey to restore balance across the world, and it's no better way to show this through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following its first card announcement, below are previews of one Ally and one Shrine card from the new ATLA set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is one beloved minor character from ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe who resided in an Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's skill with mechanics, he can fly in the air using a flying device, even challenges Aang in a flying contest.

The card Teo reproduces Teo's passion for the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders by allowing the player draw and discard whenever a player attacks with an airborne unit, while also boosting your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, this appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total when coming into play, based on the number of Shrines you have.

It furthermore drains one more point whenever a Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be an impactful addition, given the card's cheap cost and good ETB ability.

One major weakness of Shrine decks in formats besides EDH is that these cards are always legendary permanents, however this card is great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond sets have been receiving significant backlash from the community, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set set to be released on Nov. 21.