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MTG fans consistently embrace tribe-based tactics — what player hasn't built an elf strategy before? — and this new ATLA Universes Beyond set revives 2 popular examples that align seamlessly to its setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first mechanic, called "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar and grants boosts whenever additional creatures bearing this subtype come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based type that originated in Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also become power when a player controls more of them in play.

The Return of Allies Mechanic

Although Shrines have been appeared sporadically across recent sets, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — but that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the mechanic is central.

The protagonist Aang must assemble a lot of allies during the quest to restore peace across the four nations, and there's no better method to reflect that through an Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After the first set reveal, here is previews at an Ally and a Shrine card in the new ATLA set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character is a popular supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided at an Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's expertise with mechanics, he is able to soar through the skies with a flying device, even dares Aang to an aerial contest.

The card Teo reproduces Teo's fondness for flying along with his tribe's reliance of flying machines through letting you draw and discard each time you attack using an airborne unit, and also boosting your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, it is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

It also removes an additional point whenever another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be an impactful addition, given its low cost and good ETB effect.

One big weakness of Shrine decks in formats besides EDH is that Shrines are always Legendary, but this card can be effective in combination with another Shrine, that drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently while crossover products are receiving a lot of criticism by fans, an iconic series such as Avatar could be exactly what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, and all cards will be released November 21st.