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MTG enthusiasts often adopt tribe-based strategies — what player has not assembled a zombie strategy once or twice? — and this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release brings back 2 beloved mechanics that match seamlessly to the setting.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The first ability, named "Allies," was introduced in the Zendikar set which provides boosts whenever additional permanents with the Ally type come onto the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based subtype which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, Shrines likewise gain power when a player controls additional Shrines in play.

A Return for Allies Ability

Although Shrines have been shown up sporadically across newer releases, the Ally mechanic was much rarer — until that changes in ATLA, in which this mechanic gets prominently used.

Aang has to recruit many friends on the journey to bring back balance to the world, and it's no better method to show this in a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following the first set announcement, below are a look at one Allies and one Shrine card in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Character

This character stands as a cherished supporting character in ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom that resided in the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined in a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's expertise with mechanics, he can soar through the skies using his glider, even challenges the Avatar to a flying contest.

The card Teo showcases Teo's love for flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines through letting the player draw and discard whenever you attack using an airborne creature, and additionally boosting your creatures with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, this appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life upon entering play, based on the number of Shrines you have.

The card also drains one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like an impactful addition, given its cheap mana cost plus valuable ETB effect.

A major weakness of Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH are that these cards are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is great in combination with another Shrine, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond sets have been garnering significant criticism by the community, an iconic series like Avatar can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period is already here, and all cards set to be released on Nov. 21.