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MTG players consistently adopt tribal strategies — what player has not assembled a goblin deck once or twice? — while the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release revives two well-known examples which align seamlessly to its flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first ability, known as "Ally," was introduced in the Zendikar set which provides boosts whenever more creatures bearing this subtype enter the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based subtype which originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also become abilities when a player controls more Shrines in play.

A Return of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have shown up occasionally across recent releases, Allies mechanic was much rarer — until this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature is central.

Aang has to assemble numerous friends during the quest to restore balance across the four nations, and there's no better method to reflect that in a Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following the initial set reveal, here is previews of one Ally plus a Shrines card from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Character

Teo stands as one beloved minor figure in ATLA, a boy of Earth Kingdom that resided in an Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's expertise with engineering, Teo can soar through the skies with a flying device, and dares Aang in an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's fondness of flying and his tribe's use on gliders through letting you draw and discard whenever a player attacks with an airborne unit, while additionally pumping your creatures via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, this appears as the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total upon entering play, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

The card also drains an additional point anytime a Shrine enters the field.

It looks like a powerful card, given its cheap cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

One big drawback of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander is the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is great when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond sets have been receiving significant hate from the community, a beloved series like Avatar could be exactly what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards will be launched November 21st.