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MTG fans frequently embrace tribal tactics — what player has not constructed an elf deck once or twice? — and this upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release is reintroducing two well-known examples which match perfectly to its flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The initial mechanic, called "Ally," was introduced with the Zendikar and provides boosts each time additional creatures bearing the Ally subtype enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment subtype that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments also gain power when a player controls more of them on the battlefield.

The Return of the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have appeared sporadically in recent sets, Allies subtype has been far less common — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must gather many friends on the journey to bring back peace across the world, so there's no better way to represent that in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Preview

After the first set reveal, here is a look at one Allies plus a Shrine card from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as a beloved minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe that resided at an Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's prowess with mechanics, Teo is able to glide in the air using a flying device, even challenges Aang in a flying race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's passion of flying along with the Earth Tribe's use of gliders through allowing you loot each time you attack with a flying unit, and also strengthening your creatures with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, it appears as the card Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

It also removes an additional life anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be a strong addition, given its low mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A big weakness of Shrine decks outside of EDH is that Shrines are typically Legendary, however this card can be effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond products have been receiving a lot of backlash by fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period has begun, with the full set will be launched November 21st.