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MTG players consistently enjoy tribal decks — who has not assembled a zombie strategy once or twice? — and this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set revives 2 popular mechanics which align perfectly to its flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first ability, known as "Allies," first introduced with a Zendikar set and grants bonuses whenever additional creatures with this type come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based subtype that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines also gain abilities when you controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return for Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have shown up here and there in recent releases, Allies mechanic was seldom seen — but that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must gather a lot of friends on his quest to bring back balance across the world, so there's no better way to reflect this in an Magic expansion.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

Following its first card reveal, here is previews of an Allies and a Shrines card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Character

This character is a beloved minor figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe who resided at the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's skill in mechanics, Teo is able to soar through the skies with his glider, even dares the Avatar to an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his passion for flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders through allowing you loot whenever you attack using a flying creature, while also boosting your team with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life when coming into play, based on how many Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore removes an additional point whenever another Shrine comes onto the field.

It appears to be an impactful card, considering the card's cheap mana cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

A big drawback for Shrine-based decks outside of Commander is that these cards are always Legendary, but this card is great in combination with another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond sets are garnering a lot of criticism from fans, an iconic series like Avatar could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

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