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Magic: The Gathering players often enjoy tribal strategies — who has not built a zombie deck at some point? — and this new ATLA Universes Beyond set is reintroducing two popular mechanics that match perfectly with its theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial mechanic, named "Allies," was debuted with a Zendikar and gives boosts each time more creatures with the Ally type come onto the field.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is an enchantment type that first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, these enchantments also become abilities when you controls additional of them on the battlefield.

A Return for Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have appeared occasionally across newer releases, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — until this changes in ATLA, where this feature gets prominently used.

Aang has to recruit a lot of companions during his journey to restore peace to the four nations, and there's no more fitting method to represent this through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following its initial card reveal, below are previews at one Allies and a Shrine card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is one popular minor figure from ATLA, a boy of Earth Kingdom who lived at the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's expertise with mechanics, Teo can glide through the skies with his glider, and dares the Avatar to a flying race.

This card Teo showcases his fondness for the skies and his tribe's use on flying machines through letting you draw and discard each time a player attacks with an airborne unit, while additionally pumping your team with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life upon coming into play, based on the number of Shrines you control.

It also removes an additional life anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be a strong addition, considering the card's low cost plus valuable ETB ability.

One big drawback of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander is the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

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

Preview period is already here, with the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.