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MTG players often enjoy tribe-based strategies — what player has not built a goblin strategy once or twice? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release brings back 2 well-known mechanics that align perfectly to the theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first mechanic, called "Allies," was debuted with the Zendikar which gives boosts each time additional creatures with the Ally subtype enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based subtype which first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also become power when a player has more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return for the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have appeared occasionally across newer releases, the Ally subtype was far less common — until that changes in ATLA, where the mechanic gets central.

The protagonist Aang has to gather numerous friends during his quest to restore balance to the four nations, and it's no more fitting way to represent that through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following its first card announcement, below is a look at one Allies and one Shrines card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as one beloved minor character in ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom who resided in the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed in a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Because of his father's prowess with mechanics, he is able to fly through the skies with his glider, even challenges Aang to a flying contest.

The card Teo reproduces his fondness of the skies and his tribe's use on gliders by letting the player draw and discard each time a player attacks with a flying creature, while also strengthening your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you have.

It also removes one more life anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like an impactful card, considering the card's cheap cost and valuable enter the battlefield ability.

A major weakness for Shrine-based decks outside of Commander is the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but this card can be effective when paired with another Shrine, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently while crossover products are garnering a lot of backlash from the community, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what MTG requires.

Preview period has begun, with all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.