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Magic: The Gathering players consistently enjoy tribe-based decks — who hasn't assembled a goblin strategy at some point? — while the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release is reintroducing two beloved examples which match seamlessly with its setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first mechanic, named "Allies," was introduced with a Zendikar set and provides buffs whenever more permanents bearing this subtype enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents another enchantment subtype that originated in Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise gain power as a player has more of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback of Allies Ability

While Shrine cards have been appeared here and there in recent releases, Allies subtype was seldom seen — but this changes in ATLA, in which this feature is central.

Aang must assemble many companions during his journey to bring back balance across the four nations, and it's no better method to represent that in an Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following its first set announcement, here are a look at one Allies and one Shrines card from the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

Teo is one cherished minor character in ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe who resided at the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's skill in engineering, he can soar through the skies using his glider, and dares the Avatar to an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his passion for the skies and the Earth Tribe's use on flying machines through allowing the player draw and discard whenever a player attacks using an airborne creature, and additionally boosting your team via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, this is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you have.

It furthermore removes an additional life whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like a strong addition, given its cheap mana cost plus valuable ETB effect.

One major drawback for Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander is that these cards are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time while crossover sets have been receiving a lot of hate from fans, an iconic series like Avatar could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set will be released November 21st.