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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts consistently enjoy tribal strategies — what player hasn't assembled an elf strategy once or twice? — while the forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release revives two well-known examples that match perfectly with its theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The initial ability, known as "Ally," was introduced in the Zendikar set which grants buffs each time additional permanents bearing the Ally type come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based subtype that first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, these enchantments also gain power as a player has additional of them in play.

The Return of Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have shown up sporadically in recent releases, Allies subtype was much rarer — but that changes with ATLA, where the mechanic gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must assemble numerous allies on the journey to restore balance across the four nations, so there's no better way to represent that in a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After the initial set announcement, below are a look of one Ally plus a Shrine card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as one cherished supporting figure in ATLA, a boy of Earth Kingdom that resided in an Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Due to his father's skill in mechanics, he can soar through the skies using a flying device, even dares Aang in an aerial race.

The card Teo represents his love of the skies along with his tribe's use of flying machines through allowing you loot whenever a player attacks with a flying unit, and additionally boosting your creatures with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, this appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life upon coming into play, depending on how many Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore removes one more life anytime another Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be a powerful addition, considering the card's low cost and good ETB effect.

One major weakness for Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however this card can be effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond products are garnering a lot of backlash from the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period has begun, and the full set will be launched November 21st.