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MTG enthusiasts frequently enjoy tribe-based decks — who has not assembled a goblin deck at some point? — and the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set is reintroducing two well-known examples which fit seamlessly with its theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The initial mechanic, called "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar set and provides boosts whenever additional creatures with the Ally type enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based subtype which originated in Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, Shrines also gain abilities as you controls additional of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback of Allies Ability

While Shrine cards have been shown up here and there across newer releases, the Ally mechanic was far less common — but this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic gets heavily featured.

Aang must assemble a lot of friends during the quest to restore peace across the four nations, and there's no more fitting way to reflect that in a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Preview

Following its first card reveal, here is a look at an Ally plus one Shrines cards from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo stands as a cherished supporting figure in ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe that resided at an Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's skill in engineering, Teo can glide through the skies with his glider, and challenges Aang to an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's fondness for the skies and his tribe's reliance on gliders through letting you loot each time you attack with an airborne unit, and additionally strengthening your creatures with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, this is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life total when entering play, depending on how many Shrine cards you control.

The card also drains an additional point whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like a strong addition, given its cheap mana cost plus valuable ETB effect.

One major drawback of Shrine-based decks outside of Commander are the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, however this card is effective when paired alongside another Shrine, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond products are receiving a lot of backlash by the community, an iconic series like Avatar can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season is already here, with the full set set to be launched November 21st.