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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often enjoy tribal decks — who has not built a goblin strategy before? — and the new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release is reintroducing two well-known mechanics which align perfectly with the theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first mechanic, named "Allies," was introduced with a Zendikar which gives boosts whenever more permanents with this type enter the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is another enchantment subtype that first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain strength as a player controls additional Shrines in play.

A Return for Allies Ability

While Shrines have shown up here and there across newer releases, Allies subtype was seldom seen — but that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature gets heavily featured.

Aang must recruit many friends during his quest to bring back peace to the four nations, and it's no more fitting method to reflect this in a Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After its initial card announcement, here is previews of an Ally plus one Shrine card in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as one popular minor character from ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe who resided in an Air Temple following his village was ruined in a disaster, which left him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's expertise with mechanics, Teo can glide in the air with his glider, and challenges the Avatar to an aerial contest.

This card Teo showcases his love for the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines by letting you loot whenever you attack with an airborne unit, and also pumping your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, this is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

It furthermore drains one more point anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like a strong addition, considering the card's low mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A big weakness for Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH are the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however this card can be great when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond products have been garnering a lot of hate from fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards will be launched November 21st.