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Magic: The Gathering players frequently adopt tribe-based strategies — who hasn't constructed an elf deck at some point? — and the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set revives two popular mechanics which match seamlessly to the theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

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

On the other hand, "Shrine" is an enchantment type that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments also gain abilities as you controls additional Shrines in play.

A Comeback of the Ally Ability

While Shrines have been shown up sporadically in newer releases, Allies mechanic was much rarer — until that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must gather a lot of friends during his journey to restore balance to the world, so there's no better way to reflect that in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After its initial card announcement, here are previews at an Allies plus one Shrines cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo stands as a cherished supporting figure in ATLA, a boy of Earth Kingdom that lived in an Air Temple following his home was ruined by a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's expertise with mechanics, Teo can fly in the air using a flying device, and challenges the Avatar to an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's love of the skies and his tribe's use of flying machines by allowing the player loot whenever you attack using an airborne unit, while additionally pumping your creatures via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total when coming into the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore drains an additional point whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This appears to be an impactful card, given its low cost and valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One big weakness of Shrine decks outside of Commander are that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however this card is effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently while crossover products are receiving significant hate by fans, a beloved series like Avatar can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, with all cards set to be released on Nov. 21.