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Magic: The Gathering players frequently adopt tribe-based strategies — what player has not built a zombie strategy at some point? — while this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release is reintroducing two popular examples which fit perfectly to the flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

The first mechanic, known as "Allies," first introduced with the Zendikar and grants bonuses whenever more creatures bearing the Ally subtype come onto the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is an enchantment subtype that originated with Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain strength when a player owns more of them in play.

The Return for Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have shown up sporadically across recent releases, Allies subtype was seldom seen — but that changes with ATLA, where the feature gets central.

Aang has to assemble a lot of friends on his quest to restore balance to the world, and it's no more fitting way to represent that in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following its initial card announcement, below is a look of one Allies plus a Shrine card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Beloved Character

Teo is one beloved supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of Earth Kingdom who resided at an Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's prowess in engineering, he can soar in the air using a flying device, even dares the Avatar in a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's fondness for the skies and his tribe's use on gliders through allowing you loot each time a player attacks using a flying creature, while additionally pumping your team via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's home, it is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life when entering the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

It also removes an additional point whenever another Shrine enters the field.

This looks like a powerful addition, given the card's cheap cost and good ETB effect.

A big weakness for Shrine-based decks outside of EDH is that Shrines are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is great when paired with another Shrine, which drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time while crossover products have been garnering significant backlash from fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, and all cards set to be released November 21st.