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MTG enthusiasts frequently enjoy tribal tactics — what player hasn't assembled a goblin strategy once or twice? — and the new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set brings back 2 well-known examples which match perfectly with the flavor.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The first mechanic, called "Ally," was debuted with a Zendikar set which grants bonuses each time additional creatures with this subtype come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents another enchantment subtype that originated in Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain abilities when a player has more of them in play.

A Comeback of the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have shown up sporadically in newer releases, Allies mechanic has been seldom seen — but this ends in ATLA, in which the mechanic is central.

Aang has to recruit numerous allies on the journey to restore peace across the four nations, and there's no better way to represent this in a Magic set.

Revealed Card Showcase

After the first set reveal, here is previews of one Ally plus a Shrines cards in the new ATLA release.

Teo: The Beloved Character

Teo stands as a popular supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe who resided at the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's prowess in mechanics, he can soar in the air using a flying device, and dares the Avatar to a flying contest.

The card Teo reproduces his passion of flying along with his tribe's reliance of gliders by letting the player draw and discard each time you attack using an airborne creature, while additionally pumping your team with counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, this appears as the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life when entering play, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card furthermore removes an additional life anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

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

A major drawback for Shrine strategies outside of Commander are the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is great when paired alongside another Shrine, which drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently while crossover products have been garnering significant criticism by the community, an iconic series like Avatar could be exactly just what MTG needs.

Preview period is already here, and the full set will be released on Nov. 21.