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MTG enthusiasts often adopt tribal decks — who has not built a goblin strategy before? — while the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release is reintroducing 2 beloved mechanics which fit seamlessly with the theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial ability, called "Allies," first debuted in the Zendikar which grants buffs whenever additional permanents bearing the Ally subtype come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based subtype which first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, these enchantments also gain power when a player has additional of them in play.

A Comeback of the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have been shown up sporadically across newer sets, Allies subtype was seldom seen — until that changes in ATLA, in which this mechanic is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must recruit many allies during the journey to restore peace to the world, so there's no better method to represent this through a Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

After the first set announcement, here is a look at one Ally plus one Shrines cards in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as one popular supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe that resided in an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his father's skill in engineering, Teo can soar through the skies using a flying device, and dares Aang in an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his fondness for flying along with his tribe's reliance of gliders by letting you draw and discard whenever a player attacks with a flying creature, and also strengthening your creatures via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, it appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore removes one more point whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be a powerful card, given its low cost plus valuable ETB effect.

One big weakness for Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH are the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is great when paired alongside another Shrine, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond sets have been garnering a lot of hate from fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards will be released November 21st.