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MTG players often adopt tribe-based strategies — what player has not built a goblin strategy at some point? — while the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back 2 beloved mechanics which align seamlessly with the theme.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One initial ability, named "Ally," first debuted with the Zendikar and provides buffs each time additional creatures with the Ally type come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based type which first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also become strength as a player controls additional of them in play.

The Return for the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have been appeared here and there in newer sets, Allies subtype has been far less common — until that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature is central.

Aang must assemble a lot of friends on his quest to restore peace across the four nations, so there's no better method to show that through an Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

After the initial set announcement, below is a look at one Ally plus a Shrines card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

This character stands as a beloved minor character from ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe that resided in the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Because of his father's skill in mechanics, Teo can fly in the air with a flying device, even challenges the Avatar to an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his passion of the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders by allowing the player loot whenever you attack using an airborne creature, and also boosting your creatures with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore drains an additional life whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This looks like a powerful addition, given its low cost plus valuable ETB effect.

A big weakness of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, but this card is great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

At a time when crossover sets are receiving significant criticism by the community, an iconic series such as Avatar can be precisely just what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with the full set will be released on Nov. 21.