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Magic: The Gathering fans frequently adopt tribe-based strategies — who has not constructed an elf strategy before? — while the new ATLA Universes Beyond set revives 2 well-known examples which align perfectly to its theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first mechanic, known as "Ally," first debuted in the Zendikar set which provides boosts whenever additional permanents with this type enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based type that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise become strength when a player has additional of them in play.

A Comeback of Allies Mechanic

Although Shrines have shown up sporadically across newer sets, Allies mechanic has been seldom seen — but this changes in ATLA, where this feature is central.

The protagonist Aang has to gather numerous friends during the journey to bring back balance to the four nations, so it's no better way to represent that in an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following its first set announcement, here is a look of one Allies and a Shrines cards in the new ATLA set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as one popular minor figure from ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe who lived at the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined in a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's skill in mechanics, Teo is able to soar in the air using a flying device, even dares the Avatar in an aerial contest.

The card Teo represents his fondness of flying along with his tribe's reliance of gliders through allowing you draw and discard whenever you attack with a flying unit, and also pumping your creatures via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's home, it is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total upon coming into the battlefield, depending on how many Shrine cards you control.

The card also removes one more life whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like an impactful card, considering its cheap cost plus valuable ETB effect.

A big weakness of Shrine decks in formats besides Commander are the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Timely Crossover

Currently when crossover products are receiving significant hate by the community, a beloved series like Avatar could be precisely what MTG needs.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards will be launched November 21st.