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Magic: The Gathering players often enjoy tribe-based decks — who hasn't built an elf deck once or twice? — and this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set is reintroducing 2 beloved mechanics that match perfectly to the setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial mechanic, named "Allies," was introduced in the Zendikar set and grants bonuses whenever more creatures with this subtype come onto the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based subtype that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise become strength when a player owns additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrines have appeared here and there across newer sets, the Ally mechanic has been seldom seen — but that ends in ATLA, where this feature is heavily featured.

Aang has to recruit many allies on the quest to restore peace to the world, and there's no more fitting method to represent that in an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following the initial set reveal, here are previews at one Allies and a Shrines cards from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo stands as a popular supporting figure in ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe that lived in the Northern Air Temple following his village was ruined in a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's skill in mechanics, Teo can fly in the air with a flying device, and challenges Aang to a flying contest.

The card Teo showcases Teo's fondness for flying and his tribe's reliance on flying machines through letting you draw and discard each time you attack with an airborne unit, and also strengthening your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Regarding his home, this is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life when entering play, based on how many of Shrines you control.

It furthermore removes one more point anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

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

One major drawback of Shrine decks in formats besides Commander are the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however this card is effective when paired with another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently when crossover products have been garnering significant hate from the community, a beloved series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period is already here, and all cards will be launched November 21st.