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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often enjoy tribe-based decks — what player has not built a zombie deck at some point? — while the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release brings back two well-known examples which match perfectly with its flavor.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One first mechanic, known as "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar and gives bonuses each time additional creatures with the Ally type enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based subtype which first appeared in Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines also gain abilities as you controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback of Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have appeared sporadically in recent sets, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — but this changes with ATLA, where the mechanic is prominently used.

Aang has to recruit a lot of companions during his quest to bring back balance to the four nations, so it's no better way to show that in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

Following its initial card announcement, here is a look of an Ally plus one Shrine card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

This character is one popular minor character from ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe who lived at the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his father's prowess with mechanics, Teo can glide in the air with a flying device, and challenges the Avatar in an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his love for flying along with the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through letting the player loot each time you attack with an airborne creature, while also pumping your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card also drains one more life anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like a powerful card, given the card's low cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

One big weakness of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH are the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is great when paired with another Shrine, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Timely Crossover

At a time when crossover sets are garnering a lot of hate by the community, a beloved series such as Avatar can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, and the full set set to be launched November 21st.