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MTG fans consistently enjoy tribal tactics — what player has not constructed a goblin strategy at some point? — and this new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release brings back 2 beloved mechanics which align perfectly to its theme.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One initial mechanic, named "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar set and provides bonuses whenever more permanents bearing this subtype come onto the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment subtype which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also gain abilities when you controls additional of them in play.

A Return of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have shown up sporadically in newer releases, the Ally subtype was much rarer — until that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature gets prominently used.

Aang has to gather many companions during the journey to bring back balance to the four nations, so it's no better way to reflect this in a Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following its first set announcement, here is a look at one Allies and a Shrines card from the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as a popular supporting figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe that lived at the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined by a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his father's prowess with engineering, Teo can glide through the skies using a flying device, and challenges the Avatar to a flying race.

This card Teo represents his love of flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines through letting the player draw and discard each time you attack using an airborne creature, while also strengthening your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, this appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total upon entering play, based on how many of Shrines you control.

The card furthermore removes an additional life anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

It looks like a strong card, given its low mana cost and good enter the battlefield effect.

One major drawback for Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, but this card is effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond products are garnering significant hate from fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar can be precisely just what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with the full set set to be released on Nov. 21.