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Magic: The Gathering players often adopt tribe-based decks — who has not built a zombie strategy once or twice? — and this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release revives 2 well-known examples which fit perfectly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial mechanic, known as "Allies," first introduced in the Zendikar set and grants buffs whenever additional creatures with the Ally subtype come onto the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based subtype which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise gain strength when you owns additional Shrines in play.

The Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have appeared sporadically in newer releases, Allies mechanic was seldom seen — but that ends with ATLA, in which this mechanic is central.

The protagonist Aang must recruit a lot of companions on the journey to bring back balance to the world, and there's no more fitting method to reflect that in an Magic set.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following the initial set announcement, here are a look at an Ally and one Shrine card in the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

This character is one cherished supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom that lived in the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined by a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's expertise with engineering, Teo can soar in the air using a flying device, and challenges the Avatar to a flying race.

The card Teo represents his love for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's use of flying machines through allowing the player loot each time you attack with an airborne unit, while additionally pumping your creatures with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

The card also removes an additional point anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like a powerful addition, considering the card's cheap mana cost and good ETB ability.

One major drawback of Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH are the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however this card is great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond sets are garnering significant hate by fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar could be precisely what MTG requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and the full set will be launched November 21st.