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Magic: The Gathering players frequently adopt tribal decks — what player hasn't assembled a goblin strategy before? — and this new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release brings back 2 beloved mechanics that match perfectly with the theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The initial mechanic, known as "Allies," was introduced in the Zendikar and grants bonuses whenever additional creatures with the Ally subtype come onto play.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents an enchantment type that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become strength when a player owns additional of them in play.

The Return of the Ally Ability

While Shrines have shown up here and there in newer releases, Allies subtype has been far less common — until that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic gets central.

The protagonist Aang must recruit numerous companions on his quest to bring back peace to the world, and it's no better way to show that through a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following its initial set announcement, below is previews at one Allies plus one Shrines card in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as one beloved minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom who resided at the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's prowess with mechanics, Teo is able to glide through the skies with his glider, and dares Aang in a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's fondness of flying and the Earth Tribe's use of gliders by letting you loot each time you attack with an airborne creature, while additionally boosting your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, this is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you have.

It also drains one more life whenever a Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be an impactful card, considering its cheap mana cost and good ETB ability.

One big drawback of Shrine strategies outside of Commander are that these cards are typically Legendary, however this card is great in combination with another Shrine, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond products have been garnering significant backlash from the community, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, and the full set set to be released on Nov. 21.