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MTG fans consistently embrace tribe-based decks — what player hasn't assembled a goblin deck at some point? — and this new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set is reintroducing 2 popular mechanics which fit perfectly with the flavor.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The first ability, known as "Ally," first introduced with a Zendikar set which grants boosts each time additional creatures bearing this subtype come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based subtype that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain abilities as a player has additional of them on the battlefield.

A Return for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have appeared sporadically in newer releases, the Ally subtype has been much rarer — until that changes with ATLA, where the mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit numerous friends during his quest to restore peace to the four nations, and there's no better way to represent this in an Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following the initial set announcement, below are a look at one Ally and a Shrines card in the new ATLA set.

Teo: The Beloved Character

This character is a cherished supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided at the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined in a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's prowess with mechanics, Teo can soar in the air with a flying device, and challenges the Avatar to a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his fondness of the skies and his tribe's reliance on flying machines by allowing you loot whenever you attack using an airborne unit, while additionally strengthening your creatures with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, it appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you have.

It furthermore removes one more point anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like a powerful addition, considering the card's cheap cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

One big weakness of Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander is the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond products are garnering significant backlash by the community, an iconic franchise like Avatar could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period has begun, with all cards set to be released November 21st.