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MTG fans consistently embrace tribal strategies — what player hasn't built an elf strategy once or twice? — while the forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set is reintroducing 2 popular mechanics that fit seamlessly with the theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial mechanic, named "Allies," was introduced in the Zendikar set and gives buffs whenever additional creatures bearing the Ally type enter the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is another enchantment subtype that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become power as a player owns more of them on the battlefield.

A Return of the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have appeared here and there across recent sets, Allies subtype was much rarer — but that ends with ATLA, where the mechanic gets central.

Aang must recruit numerous allies during the journey to bring back peace across the world, and it's no more fitting method to represent this through a Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following its initial set announcement, below are a look at one Allies and a Shrines cards from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

This character is a beloved minor character from ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe who lived in the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his father's prowess in mechanics, Teo can glide in the air using his glider, even challenges Aang to a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's love of the skies along with his tribe's reliance of flying machines through allowing you loot whenever a player attacks using an airborne unit, and also pumping your team with counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, this appears as the card Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life total when coming into play, based on how many Shrine cards you have.

The card also removes an additional life anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

It appears to be a powerful addition, considering the card's low cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

A major drawback for Shrine-based decks outside of Commander is the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple can be great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond sets have been receiving a lot of criticism by the community, a beloved series such as Avatar could be exactly what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, with the full set will be released November 21st.