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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently adopt tribe-based strategies — what player hasn't assembled an elf deck at some point? — and this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release revives 2 beloved mechanics which fit perfectly with the theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial ability, named "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar and gives buffs whenever more permanents with the Ally type enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment type that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, Shrines also gain power as you owns additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback of Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have been shown up occasionally in newer sets, the Ally subtype has been far less common — until that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the mechanic is heavily featured.

Aang must recruit a lot of allies on the quest to restore balance to the world, so there's no more fitting way to reflect that in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Showcase

After its initial set reveal, below are a look of one Allies and one Shrines card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as one popular minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe who resided at the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined by a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's expertise with mechanics, he is able to fly in the air using his glider, even challenges the Avatar in an aerial race.

The card Teo represents his love of the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines by allowing the player loot each time you attack with an airborne creature, while additionally pumping your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, it appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life when coming into play, based on how many Shrine cards you have.

It also drains an additional point anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like a strong addition, considering the card's cheap mana cost and good ETB effect.

One big drawback of Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH are the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, but this card is effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond sets are receiving significant backlash from fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what MTG requires.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set will be released on Nov. 21.