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MTG fans often adopt tribe-based tactics — what player has not built a goblin strategy before? — and the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release is reintroducing 2 beloved examples which match perfectly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial ability, called "Allies," first debuted in the Zendikar set and grants buffs each time more creatures with the Ally subtype enter play.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based subtype which originated with Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also gain power when you controls additional of them on the battlefield.

The Return for the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically in newer sets, Allies mechanic has been far less common — until that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the mechanic gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must gather many companions during the journey to restore peace to the four nations, and it's no better way to represent that in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

Following its first card announcement, here are previews at one Allies and one Shrine cards from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo: A Beloved Figure

This character stands as one cherished supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe who resided at the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined in a flood, which left him paraplegic.

Because of his father's expertise in mechanics, Teo can glide through the skies using his glider, and dares Aang in a flying contest.

The card Teo showcases Teo's love of flying along with his tribe's reliance of gliders by letting you draw and discard whenever a player attacks with a flying unit, and also strengthening your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's home, this appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life when coming into play, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card also removes an additional life whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be an impactful addition, given its cheap cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

One major weakness of Shrine decks in formats besides EDH is the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time while crossover sets are receiving a lot of backlash from fans, an iconic series like Avatar could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, and the full set set to be released on Nov. 21.