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Magic: The Gathering players frequently adopt tribe-based tactics — who hasn't assembled a zombie deck once or twice? — while this new ATLA Universes Beyond set is reintroducing two beloved examples that align seamlessly with its theme.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The first mechanic, known as "Allies," was introduced with the Zendikar set and gives buffs whenever additional creatures with the Ally subtype come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is another enchantment type that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also gain abilities when you controls more Shrines in play.

The Return of Allies Ability

While Shrines have been shown up here and there in recent sets, the Ally mechanic was much rarer — until that changes with ATLA, in which the mechanic is central.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit many companions during the journey to restore peace across the world, so there's no better way to represent this through an Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

After the first set announcement, below are previews of one Ally plus a Shrine cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

This character stands as a beloved minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe that resided at an Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's skill in engineering, he is able to soar in the air using his glider, even challenges the Avatar to an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his love of flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines by allowing the player loot whenever you attack with a flying creature, while additionally boosting your creatures via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, it is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you have.

It also removes an additional life anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like a strong addition, given its low cost and good ETB ability.

One major weakness of Shrine-based decks outside of Commander is that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but this card is great in combination alongside another Shrine, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond products have been garnering significant backlash from the community, an iconic series like Avatar could be exactly what MTG requires.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set will be released on Nov. 21.