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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often adopt tribe-based decks — who has not built a goblin deck once or twice? — while this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back 2 popular mechanics that fit perfectly to its flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial mechanic, named "Allies," was introduced with the Zendikar which provides bonuses each time more creatures with this subtype enter the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based subtype which originated in Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines also become strength when a player has more Shrines in play.

A Comeback of Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have been shown up here and there across newer sets, the Ally mechanic has been seldom seen — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature is prominently used.

Aang must gather many companions on his journey to restore balance to the four nations, so there's no more fitting method to reflect this in a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

After its first card announcement, below is previews at an Allies plus one Shrine card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is a beloved supporting figure from ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom that lived at an Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his father's skill in engineering, Teo can glide in the air using a flying device, even challenges the Avatar to a flying contest.

The card Teo reproduces Teo's fondness for flying along with the Earth Tribe's use of flying machines through allowing you draw and discard whenever a player attacks with a flying unit, while additionally pumping your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, this appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life upon entering play, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore drains one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This appears to be a powerful card, given its cheap mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

One major drawback of Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander is the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be effective in combination alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond sets have been receiving significant criticism by the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period has begun, and all cards will be released on Nov. 21.