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Magic: The Gathering players frequently embrace tribe-based strategies — what player has not built a goblin strategy before? — and the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set is reintroducing 2 well-known mechanics that fit seamlessly to the setting.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

One initial ability, named "Ally," was introduced with the Zendikar and provides boosts each time additional permanents with the Ally type come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based type that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines also become power as you has more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return for Allies Ability

While Shrines have shown up occasionally across newer releases, Allies mechanic has been seldom seen — but that changes in ATLA, in which this mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must recruit a lot of allies on his journey to restore peace to the four nations, so it's no better way to represent that through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following the first card announcement, here is previews of one Ally plus one Shrine card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is a popular minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of Earth Kingdom who lived in an Air Temple following his home was ruined by a disaster, which left him paraplegic.

Because of his father's skill with mechanics, he is able to glide through the skies with a flying device, even challenges the Avatar in a flying race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's fondness of flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance of flying machines through allowing the player loot each time you attack using an airborne unit, while additionally boosting your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, it is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

The card furthermore removes one more point whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be a strong card, considering its cheap mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One big weakness of Shrine-based decks outside of Commander is the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is effective when paired with another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond products are garnering significant criticism from fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

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