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MTG fans consistently embrace tribe-based tactics — who hasn't assembled an elf deck at some point? — and the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release brings back 2 well-known mechanics that align perfectly to the flavor.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first ability, known as "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar which grants buffs whenever additional permanents with the Ally subtype come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" is another enchantment subtype which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, these enchantments also gain abilities as a player has additional of them in play.

A Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have shown up occasionally in recent sets, Allies mechanic has been far less common — until this changes with ATLA, where this feature is prominently used.

Aang must recruit many companions on the quest to restore peace to the four nations, so it's no better way to reflect that in a Magic set.

Exclusive Card Preview

After the initial set announcement, below is a look of one Allies and one Shrine card from the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

This character stands as a cherished supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe who lived at an Air Temple following his village was ruined by a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's expertise in mechanics, he is able to fly in the air using his glider, and challenges Aang to a flying race.

This card Teo represents Teo's passion of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's use on gliders through allowing the player loot whenever a player attacks using an airborne unit, and also strengthening your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, this appears as the card Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life total when entering play, depending on the number of Shrines you have.

It furthermore removes one more point anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like a strong card, given its cheap cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

One major weakness for Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH is the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

Currently while crossover sets are receiving a lot of hate from fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar could be exactly what MTG requires.

Preview period is already here, and all cards set to be launched on Nov. 21.