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Magic: The Gathering fans frequently adopt tribal strategies — what player has not built a zombie deck once or twice? — and the new ATLA Universes Beyond release revives 2 well-known mechanics that fit seamlessly to the theme.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The first ability, known as "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar set which gives bonuses each time more permanents with this subtype come onto play.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based subtype which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also become strength as a player has more Shrines in play.

The Comeback for the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have appeared sporadically in newer releases, Allies subtype was much rarer — until this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must recruit many allies on the quest to restore peace across the world, and it's no better way to reflect this in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

After its first set reveal, here is previews of one Ally and one Shrine card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is a popular supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom who resided at an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's skill with engineering, he is able to fly in the air using a flying device, even dares Aang in an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's passion for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines through allowing you loot each time a player attacks using a flying creature, while also boosting your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, it is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life when entering the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

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

This looks like an impactful addition, given the card's cheap mana cost plus good ETB ability.

A big drawback for Shrine decks in formats besides EDH are the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however this card is great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently when crossover sets have been garnering a lot of criticism from fans, a beloved series like Avatar could be exactly just what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, and all cards set to be released on Nov. 21.