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MTG fans consistently enjoy tribe-based strategies — what player has not constructed an elf strategy at some point? — while the new ATLA Universes Beyond release is reintroducing 2 well-known examples that match perfectly to the setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first ability, named "Allies," first introduced with a Zendikar set which provides bonuses whenever more creatures with the Ally type enter the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based subtype that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments also gain power as you owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback of the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have been appeared sporadically in recent sets, Allies mechanic was seldom seen — until this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the mechanic gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit many companions during his journey to restore balance across the world, so it's no better method to represent this in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Preview

Following the initial card reveal, here are previews at an Ally and a Shrines cards in the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

This character is one cherished supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe who lived in the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined in a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's expertise with mechanics, he can fly in the air with his glider, even dares the Avatar to a flying race.

This card Teo represents his fondness of flying along with the Earth Tribe's use on gliders through letting the player loot each time a player attacks with a flying creature, while additionally pumping your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding his home, this is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

It furthermore drains one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like an impactful card, considering its low mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A big weakness for Shrine-based decks outside of EDH are the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, but this card is effective when paired with another Shrine, that drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Timely Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond products have been garnering significant criticism from fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar can be precisely what MTG requires.

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