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MTG enthusiasts often enjoy tribe-based decks — what player hasn't constructed a zombie strategy before? — while the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set brings back two well-known examples which match perfectly with the flavor.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The initial ability, known as "Allies," was introduced with the Zendikar and gives buffs each time more creatures with the Ally type come onto the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents another enchantment type that first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain abilities when you controls additional of them in play.

A Return for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have appeared sporadically in newer releases, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — until this ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must assemble numerous allies during the quest to restore peace to the four nations, so it's no better way to show this through a Magic expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following its first card announcement, here is previews at an Ally and one Shrines cards in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is a cherished minor character in ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom that lived in an Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's prowess with engineering, he can soar through the skies using a flying device, even challenges Aang to a flying race.

The card Teo represents Teo's passion for flying along with his tribe's use of gliders by letting the player loot whenever a player attacks using an airborne creature, and additionally pumping your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, it appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total when coming into play, based on the number of Shrines you have.

It also drains an additional point anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be a strong card, given the card's cheap mana cost plus good ETB ability.

One big drawback of Shrine strategies outside of Commander are that these cards are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be great in combination with another Shrine, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time when Universes Beyond products have been garnering significant backlash by the community, an iconic series like Avatar can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period is already here, and the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.