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Magic: The Gathering players frequently adopt tribe-based tactics — what player has not built an elf strategy at some point? — and the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set is reintroducing two popular mechanics that match seamlessly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The first ability, known as "Allies," was introduced with the Zendikar set and provides bonuses whenever more permanents with the Ally subtype come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" represents another enchantment type which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines likewise gain abilities as you controls more of them in play.

A Comeback for the Ally Ability

While Shrines have appeared sporadically in newer sets, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — but that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic is central.

Aang has to recruit a lot of allies on his quest to bring back balance to the four nations, and there's no better way to represent that through an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

Following its first set announcement, here are previews at an Ally and one Shrines card from the new ATLA set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo stands as one beloved minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe that lived in the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a disaster, which left him unable to walk.

Because of his dad's expertise with mechanics, he is able to glide in the air using his glider, and challenges Aang to an aerial race.

This card Teo represents his passion of the skies along with his tribe's use on gliders through allowing you draw and discard whenever you attack with a flying creature, while also pumping your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life upon entering play, depending on how many of Shrines you control.

It also removes one more life whenever a Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be a powerful card, given its cheap cost and good ETB effect.

A big weakness for Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH is the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be great in combination with another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently when crossover products are receiving significant backlash from fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, with the full set set to be launched November 21st.