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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often adopt tribe-based decks — who has not built a goblin deck at some point? — and this new ATLA Universes Beyond set revives two well-known examples that match seamlessly to the setting.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

One initial mechanic, known as "Ally," was debuted with the Zendikar and grants buffs whenever more creatures with this type come onto the field.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based type which originated in Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain power as a player has more of them in play.

A Comeback for the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have been appeared here and there in recent sets, Allies subtype has been far less common — until that ends in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this feature gets central.

The protagonist Aang must gather numerous allies during his quest to bring back peace across the four nations, and there's no better method to reflect that through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following its first card announcement, below is previews at an Allies plus one Shrines cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as one beloved supporting figure in ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom who resided at the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Because of his father's prowess in mechanics, Teo is able to glide in the air using a flying device, even dares Aang in a flying race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's love of the skies along with his tribe's use on flying machines by letting the player loot whenever you attack using an airborne creature, while also strengthening your team via counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, this is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total when coming into play, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore drains one more point anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like an impactful card, considering its low cost plus valuable ETB ability.

One major drawback of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH are that Shrines are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is great when paired alongside another Shrine, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond sets have been receiving significant backlash from the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely what MTG needs.

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