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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts consistently enjoy tribal tactics — what player has not assembled a goblin deck once or twice? — while the forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release revives two popular examples which match perfectly to its theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One first ability, known as "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar set and grants buffs whenever additional permanents bearing this subtype enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents an enchantment type which originated with Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments also gain abilities when you owns more Shrines in play.

A Return of the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have been shown up occasionally across recent releases, the Ally mechanic was far less common — but this changes in ATLA, where this feature is heavily featured.

Aang must assemble a lot of companions during his journey to bring back balance across the four nations, and there's no more fitting method to represent this in a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following its first card announcement, below is a look of one Ally and a Shrines cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is one popular supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom that lived at an Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a disaster, which left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's prowess with engineering, he can glide through the skies with a flying device, and dares the Avatar in an aerial contest.

The card Teo represents his love of flying along with the Earth Tribe's use on flying machines through allowing the player draw and discard each time you attack with a flying unit, while additionally boosting your team with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, it appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life when entering the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card furthermore removes an additional point anytime another Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be a strong card, given its low mana cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

One major drawback of Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH are the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond products are garnering a lot of criticism by the community, a beloved series such as Avatar could be precisely what MTG needs.

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