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MTG fans consistently embrace tribal strategies — what player hasn't built an elf strategy before? — and this upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back two popular mechanics that fit perfectly with the flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

One initial ability, named "Allies," was debuted with the Zendikar and provides buffs each time more creatures bearing the Ally type come onto the field.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based type that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise become abilities when you controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have been shown up occasionally in newer releases, the Ally subtype has been much rarer — but this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must assemble numerous friends on his quest to restore peace across the world, so it's no more fitting way to show this in a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following the initial card reveal, below are a look of one Allies and a Shrines card from the new ATLA release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as a popular minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe who lived at an Air Temple after his village was ruined by a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's prowess with mechanics, he can fly in the air with his glider, even challenges the Avatar to a flying race.

The card Teo reproduces Teo's love of flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines by letting the player draw and discard each time you attack with an airborne unit, while also boosting your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, this appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life when entering the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card also drains one more point whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

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

One big weakness for Shrine strategies outside of EDH is the fact that these cards are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Collaboration

At a time while crossover sets are garnering a lot of criticism by fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar could be precisely what MTG needs.

Preview period is already here, with all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.