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MTG fans consistently enjoy tribal tactics — what player hasn't constructed a goblin strategy at some point? — and the new ATLA Universes Beyond release revives 2 well-known mechanics which align seamlessly with the setting.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One first ability, called "Allies," was introduced in the Zendikar which provides bonuses each time additional permanents bearing the Ally subtype enter the field.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based subtype which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain abilities as you owns additional of them in play.

The Comeback for Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have shown up occasionally across newer sets, Allies mechanic was far less common — but that changes in ATLA, in which this mechanic is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must recruit a lot of friends on the journey to bring back peace to the world, and there's no better way to show this in an Magic set.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following its initial set reveal, here is a look of an Allies and a Shrine cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is one popular minor character from ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe that lived in the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined by a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's prowess with engineering, he is able to glide in the air with his glider, even challenges the Avatar to a flying race.

The card Teo represents his fondness of flying and his tribe's use on gliders through letting you draw and discard each time you attack using an airborne unit, while also strengthening your creatures with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his home, this is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life when entering play, based on the number of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore removes an additional life whenever another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This looks like a powerful addition, considering the card's low cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A major weakness for Shrine decks outside of Commander are that Shrines are typically Legendary, but this card can be effective when paired with another Shrine, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Timely Crossover

At a time when Universes Beyond sets are garnering significant criticism by fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what MTG needs.

Preview period is already here, and the full set will be released November 21st.