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MTG enthusiasts frequently adopt tribe-based tactics — who hasn't assembled a zombie strategy at some point? — and the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set brings back two well-known mechanics which fit seamlessly to its flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial ability, named "Ally," was debuted in the Zendikar which provides buffs each time additional creatures with this type come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based subtype which originated in Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also gain power as you owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return for the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have been appeared here and there across newer releases, Allies mechanic has been seldom seen — until that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic is heavily featured.

Aang must recruit numerous companions during the quest to restore balance to the world, so there's no better method to represent that in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Card Showcase

After its initial card announcement, here is a look of an Allies and one Shrine card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Beloved Character

This character stands as a cherished supporting figure from ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe who lived in the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed in a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Due to his father's prowess with engineering, Teo is able to glide through the skies using a flying device, and challenges the Avatar in an aerial contest.

This card Teo showcases Teo's fondness for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines by letting you loot each time a player attacks using an airborne creature, while additionally strengthening your team with counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, it is represented in a card named The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life upon entering play, depending on how many of Shrines you control.

It furthermore drains one more life anytime another Shrine enters the field.

It looks like a strong addition, given the card's cheap cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A big weakness for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, however this card is effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond products have been receiving significant criticism from fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, and the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.