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MTG fans frequently embrace tribe-based tactics — who hasn't built an elf deck once or twice? — while the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release revives two popular mechanics that fit seamlessly to the flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One first ability, called "Allies," first debuted in the Zendikar set which grants buffs whenever additional permanents bearing the Ally subtype enter play.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents another enchantment type which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also become power as a player controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback for Allies Mechanic

While Shrine cards have shown up sporadically in newer releases, Allies mechanic was much rarer — but this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic is prominently used.

Aang must assemble many allies on his journey to restore balance across the four nations, and there's no better method to reflect this in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following the initial card announcement, here are previews of an Allies plus one Shrines cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

Teo stands as a beloved minor figure in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom that lived in an Air Temple after his village was ruined in a flood, which left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's expertise in engineering, Teo can fly in the air using his glider, even dares the Avatar to an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his love for flying and his tribe's reliance on gliders through allowing you loot whenever a player attacks using a flying unit, and also boosting your team with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, this appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

It furthermore removes one more life anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It looks like a strong card, considering its low mana cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

One big drawback of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander is that these cards are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is effective when paired alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently when crossover sets are receiving a lot of backlash from fans, an iconic series like Avatar could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period has begun, and the full set will be launched November 21st.