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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently embrace tribe-based decks — what player has not built an elf deck before? — and the new ATLA Universes Beyond set revives two popular mechanics that fit seamlessly with the flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first ability, known as "Allies," first introduced with a Zendikar which gives boosts each time more creatures with this subtype come onto the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based subtype that first appeared in Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments also become power when you owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been shown up occasionally in newer releases, the Ally mechanic was far less common — until this changes in ATLA, where this mechanic gets prominently used.

Aang must recruit numerous companions during his quest to restore balance across the world, and there's no better way to reflect that in an Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

After the first card reveal, below are previews at an Allies plus a Shrine cards from the new ATLA release.

Teo: A Beloved Figure

This character stands as one popular minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe who resided at the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined in a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's skill with engineering, he is able to soar in the air using a flying device, and challenges the Avatar to a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his love of flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders through allowing the player draw and discard each time a player attacks with a flying creature, while also boosting your creatures with counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, this is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life when entering the battlefield, depending on how many Shrine cards you control.

It also drains one more point whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This appears to be an impactful card, given its cheap mana cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

A major weakness for Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander are that Shrines are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired with another Shrine, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently when crossover sets are garnering a lot of criticism by fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar can be exactly just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, with the full set will be released November 21st.