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MTG enthusiasts frequently adopt tribe-based tactics — who hasn't assembled an elf deck once or twice? — while this new ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back two beloved examples which match seamlessly with its theme.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The first ability, called "Ally," first debuted in the Zendikar set which provides bonuses whenever more permanents bearing this type come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based type which first appeared in Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain abilities when a player has additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return for Allies Ability

Although Shrines have been shown up occasionally across newer releases, Allies mechanic was much rarer — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature is prominently used.

Aang has to recruit a lot of allies during the journey to restore peace to the four nations, so there's no better method to represent this through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

After its first set reveal, here is a look at one Allies plus one Shrine card from the new ATLA set.

Teo: A Beloved Character

This character is one cherished minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe that lived in an Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's skill with engineering, Teo can glide through the skies using a flying device, even dares Aang in a flying race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his love of the skies along with his tribe's reliance on flying machines through letting the player loot whenever a player attacks using a flying unit, and additionally boosting your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, it appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life upon coming into play, based on the number Shrine cards you have.

It also drains an additional point whenever another Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be an impactful addition, given its cheap cost plus good ETB ability.

A big weakness for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander are that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be great in combination alongside another Shrine, that drains all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond products are garnering significant hate by the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, with the full set will be released on Nov. 21.