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MTG players often enjoy tribe-based decks — what player hasn't constructed an elf strategy at some point? — and the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set is reintroducing two beloved mechanics which align seamlessly to its flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first mechanic, known as "Allies," was introduced in a Zendikar and grants bonuses each time more permanents with this type come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is an enchantment type which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not a creature tribe, these enchantments also become abilities as a player has more Shrines in play.

The Comeback of the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have been shown up occasionally across recent releases, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — until that ends with ATLA, where the mechanic is prominently used.

Aang must assemble numerous allies during the journey to bring back peace to the four nations, so there's no better method to represent this through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following its first set announcement, below is a look at one Ally plus one Shrine cards from the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character is a popular minor character from ATLA, a boy of Earth Kingdom who resided in an Air Temple following his home was ruined by a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's expertise in mechanics, Teo can fly through the skies with a flying device, even challenges the Avatar to an aerial race.

This card Teo showcases his fondness of flying and the Earth Tribe's use of gliders by letting you draw and discard each time a player attacks using a flying unit, and additionally boosting your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, it is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, depending on the number of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore removes one more life anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This looks like an impactful addition, given the card's cheap cost plus good ETB effect.

A major drawback of Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH is that Shrines are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is great when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond products are receiving a lot of criticism from the community, a beloved series such as Avatar could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards set to be released November 21st.