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MTG players frequently embrace tribal decks — who has not assembled a goblin strategy at some point? — and this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set revives two popular mechanics which match perfectly to its setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first ability, called "Allies," was introduced with a Zendikar set and provides bonuses each time additional permanents bearing this subtype come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is an enchantment subtype that originated in Kamigawa. While not a creature tribe, Shrines likewise become power when a player owns additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback for the Ally Ability

While Shrines have appeared sporadically across newer releases, Allies subtype has been far less common — but that changes with ATLA, in which the mechanic is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit numerous allies on the quest to restore balance across the world, so there's no more fitting way to show that through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following its first card reveal, here is a look of an Allies plus one Shrines card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

This character stands as a popular minor character in ATLA, a boy of Earth Kingdom that lived at an Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's skill in mechanics, Teo is able to glide in the air using his glider, even challenges the Avatar to an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's fondness for flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines by letting the player loot each time you attack with a flying creature, while additionally strengthening your creatures with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life upon coming into play, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore drains an additional life whenever a Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like a strong addition, given the card's low mana cost and good ETB effect.

A big weakness of Shrine-based decks outside of EDH is the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is effective in combination alongside another Shrine, which drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

At a time when Universes Beyond products are receiving a lot of backlash from fans, a beloved series such as Avatar can be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards will be released on Nov. 21.