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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently embrace tribe-based tactics — what player hasn't constructed a goblin strategy at some point? — and the new ATLA Universes Beyond set is reintroducing 2 beloved mechanics which fit perfectly to its theme.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

The initial mechanic, known as "Allies," first debuted with a Zendikar and grants bonuses each time additional permanents with the Ally subtype come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based subtype which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also gain power as you has more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback for the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have been shown up sporadically across newer sets, Allies mechanic was much rarer — but that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature is prominently used.

Aang has to recruit many friends on the journey to bring back balance across the four nations, and there's no more fitting way to represent this in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following its initial card reveal, below is a look at one Allies and one Shrine cards in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Beloved Figure

This character is one cherished minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe that lived at an Air Temple after his village was ruined by a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his father's prowess in mechanics, Teo is able to soar in the air with his glider, and dares the Avatar to a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his fondness of the skies and his tribe's use of flying machines through allowing the player loot each time you attack with an airborne creature, while also strengthening your creatures with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's home, it is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life when entering the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you control.

It also removes one more point whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This appears to be a strong card, considering the card's low mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A big drawback of Shrine strategies outside of EDH are the fact that Shrines are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time while Universes Beyond sets are receiving a lot of hate by fans, an iconic franchise such as Avatar can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, and all cards set to be launched November 21st.