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MTG fans frequently enjoy tribal strategies — who has not constructed a goblin deck at some point? — while the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set revives 2 well-known mechanics that match seamlessly with the setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial mechanic, called "Ally," first introduced in a Zendikar set which grants boosts each time additional creatures bearing the Ally subtype enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based type that first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments also gain power when a player owns additional of them in play.

The Return of the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have appeared here and there across recent sets, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — but that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the mechanic gets central.

The protagonist Aang has to gather many companions on the journey to restore peace to the four nations, and there's no more fitting method to show this through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

Following its first set reveal, here is previews at an Allies and a Shrines cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

Teo is a beloved minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe who resided in an Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's prowess with mechanics, he is able to glide through the skies with a flying device, and challenges the Avatar in an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his love for flying along with the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through letting the player draw and discard each time you attack with a flying unit, while also boosting your team via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, it is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life when entering the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

It furthermore drains an additional point anytime a Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be a powerful addition, given its cheap cost plus good ETB effect.

A major drawback for Shrine decks outside of EDH is that Shrines are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is great when paired alongside another Shrine, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond products are garnering significant hate from the community, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season is already here, and all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.