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Magic: The Gathering fans frequently embrace tribe-based tactics — who hasn't constructed a goblin deck at some point? — while the new ATLA Universes Beyond release brings back two beloved examples which align perfectly to its flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One first ability, known as "Allies," first debuted with a Zendikar set which provides buffs whenever more permanents bearing this subtype come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based subtype which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise become abilities as a player controls more of them on the battlefield.

A Return for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have appeared sporadically across newer sets, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — until that changes in ATLA, in which the mechanic gets prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must recruit many allies on the quest to bring back balance to the world, and there's no more fitting way to show that through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following its initial card reveal, here is a look of an Ally plus a Shrines cards in the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is a popular supporting figure from ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe who resided at the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined by a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's expertise in mechanics, he is able to soar through the skies with a flying device, even challenges the Avatar to a flying race.

This card Teo represents Teo's passion of flying along with the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through letting you draw and discard whenever a player attacks with an airborne creature, while also boosting your creatures with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life upon entering play, based on the number of Shrines you control.

It also removes an additional life anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like a strong card, given the card's cheap cost and valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One major drawback for Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however this card can be great when paired with another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond sets have been receiving significant backlash by the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what MTG requires.

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