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Magic: The Gathering fans frequently adopt tribe-based decks — who hasn't constructed an elf deck before? — and this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back 2 beloved examples which align seamlessly with its setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first mechanic, named "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar set and grants buffs whenever additional creatures with the Ally type come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is another enchantment subtype which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also gain power as you has additional Shrines in play.

The Comeback of Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically in newer releases, Allies mechanic was far less common — until this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic is central.

Aang must gather a lot of companions during the quest to restore peace to the four nations, and there's no more fitting method to represent that in a Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following the first set reveal, here is previews at an Allies plus one Shrine cards in the new ATLA set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is a beloved minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe who lived at an Air Temple after his home was ruined by a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's prowess with mechanics, Teo can fly in the air with a flying device, even challenges Aang in an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's fondness for flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines by allowing you loot whenever you attack with a flying unit, while also pumping your team via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding Teo's home, it is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

It also drains an additional point anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be a powerful card, given the card's cheap cost and good ETB ability.

One big drawback of Shrine decks in formats besides EDH is the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Timely Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond sets have been receiving a lot of backlash by fans, an iconic series like Avatar can be precisely just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards set to be released November 21st.