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Magic: The Gathering fans frequently embrace tribal tactics — what player has not built a zombie strategy once or twice? — while this new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release brings back two well-known mechanics which fit perfectly to the theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial ability, named "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar and grants bonuses each time additional permanents bearing this subtype enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents another enchantment type that originated in Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain abilities as a player has more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return of the Ally Ability

While Shrines have been appeared here and there across recent sets, the Ally mechanic was seldom seen — until this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must gather a lot of allies during his journey to bring back balance to the four nations, so it's no more fitting method to represent this through a Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After the initial set announcement, below is a look at one Allies and a Shrines card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as a popular minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom who lived at an Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's prowess in engineering, Teo can fly in the air using a flying device, and challenges the Avatar in an aerial contest.

This card Teo represents his fondness of the skies along with his tribe's use on flying machines by allowing you loot each time a player attacks using an airborne unit, and additionally strengthening your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, this appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

It also removes an additional life anytime a Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be a powerful addition, considering its low mana cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

A major weakness of Shrine decks outside of Commander is the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be great when paired with another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond products have been garnering a lot of backlash from the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period is already here, and the full set will be released November 21st.