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MTG fans consistently embrace tribal decks — who has not assembled an elf deck before? — and this new ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back two well-known examples that fit seamlessly to its theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first ability, named "Ally," was introduced in the Zendikar set which grants buffs whenever more creatures with this subtype come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based subtype that first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also gain abilities as you controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return for the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally in newer releases, the Ally mechanic was seldom seen — but this ends in ATLA, where the mechanic is central.

Aang must assemble numerous companions on the journey to bring back balance to the four nations, and it's no better way to represent this through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After its initial card reveal, below are previews at one Ally and a Shrines card from the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is one cherished supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom who lived in the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined in a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's expertise with engineering, Teo is able to soar in the air using his glider, and challenges the Avatar to an aerial contest.

This card Teo represents Teo's fondness of flying and his tribe's reliance on flying machines through letting the player draw and discard each time you attack using an airborne unit, and also pumping your team with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, this appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

It furthermore drains an additional life anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This appears to be a powerful card, considering the card's cheap mana cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

One major drawback of Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH is that Shrines are always Legendary, but this card can be effective in combination alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond products are garnering significant hate from the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

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