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MTG enthusiasts consistently enjoy tribal decks — what player hasn't built an elf strategy at some point? — while this upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set revives two beloved examples that align seamlessly with the flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial mechanic, called "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar set and provides bonuses whenever more permanents bearing this subtype come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based subtype which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain power when a player owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback of Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have appeared here and there across newer releases, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — until this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature is central.

Aang has to assemble many allies on the journey to restore balance across the world, and it's no better method to represent that through a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Showcase

After the first card announcement, below is a look at one Allies and a Shrine card in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo: A Beloved Character

Teo is one cherished minor figure in ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom who lived in the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's expertise with mechanics, Teo is able to fly through the skies using his glider, even challenges the Avatar to a flying race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his passion of the skies along with his tribe's reliance on flying machines through letting the player draw and discard whenever you attack using an airborne unit, while also boosting your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's home, it is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

It also removes one more point anytime a Shrine enters the field.

It looks like an impactful card, given its low mana cost plus good ETB ability.

One major drawback for Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander is that these cards are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is effective when paired alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

At a time while crossover sets are garnering significant backlash from the community, a beloved series like Avatar can be exactly what MTG requires.

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