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Magic: The Gathering fans frequently adopt tribe-based strategies — what player has not built an elf deck at some point? — and this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set revives two well-known mechanics that match perfectly with its theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One first mechanic, known as "Allies," was introduced in a Zendikar set which grants bonuses each time more permanents bearing this subtype enter the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment subtype which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments likewise gain abilities as a player controls additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return for Allies Ability

While Shrine cards have been shown up occasionally in newer sets, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — but that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic gets prominently used.

Aang must gather many friends during his journey to bring back peace across the four nations, so it's no better method to reflect this in a Magic expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following the first card announcement, below is a look at one Ally and a Shrine card from the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is a popular minor character in ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe that lived in the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed in a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's prowess with engineering, Teo is able to fly through the skies using a flying device, and dares the Avatar to a flying race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his passion for the skies along with his tribe's use on flying machines through letting the player loot whenever a player attacks using a flying creature, while additionally boosting your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life when coming into play, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

The card also drains an additional life anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This appears to be an impactful addition, given its low cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

One big weakness for Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH is the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, but this card is effective when paired alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time when crossover products are receiving a lot of hate by the community, a beloved series such as Avatar could be exactly what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards set to be launched November 21st.