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Magic: The Gathering players frequently adopt tribe-based tactics — who has not built a goblin deck at some point? — while the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set revives two beloved mechanics which fit perfectly with its setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial mechanic, known as "Allies," first debuted with the Zendikar set which provides buffs whenever additional permanents bearing this subtype enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents an enchantment subtype that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become abilities as you has additional of them in play.

The Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been shown up sporadically in recent releases, Allies subtype has been much rarer — until this changes in ATLA, in which the mechanic gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must assemble numerous friends on his quest to restore peace across the world, and it's no more fitting method to show that through an Magic set.

Revealed Card Preview

Following its first card reveal, here are previews at an Ally and a Shrine card in the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Character

This character is one popular supporting figure from ATLA, a boy of Earth Kingdom that resided at the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined in a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.

Because of his dad's prowess with mechanics, he can soar through the skies using a flying device, and challenges Aang in an aerial race.

The card Teo showcases his fondness for the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders through letting you draw and discard each time a player attacks using a flying creature, while also strengthening your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, it is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total when coming into play, depending on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card also drains an additional point whenever a Shrine enters the field.

It looks like a powerful addition, considering the card's cheap cost and good ETB ability.

One big drawback of Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH are that Shrines are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be great in combination alongside another Shrine, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Crossover

Currently when crossover sets are receiving significant backlash by the community, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely just what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, and the full set set to be released November 21st.