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MTG players frequently enjoy tribal tactics — who hasn't built an elf deck once or twice? — while this new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release is reintroducing two well-known mechanics which fit perfectly to the setting.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The initial ability, called "Ally," was introduced with the Zendikar set which gives boosts each time more permanents bearing this type come onto the field.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is another enchantment type which first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines also become abilities when you has more Shrines in play.

The Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have shown up here and there across recent releases, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — but this ends in ATLA, in which this feature is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang must assemble many companions during his quest to restore peace to the world, so it's no better method to represent that in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

After its initial card announcement, here is a look at one Allies and one Shrine card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character is a beloved minor character in ATLA, a boy from the Earth Tribe who resided in the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a disaster, which left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's prowess with engineering, he is able to fly in the air using his glider, even dares Aang to a flying race.

This card Teo represents his love for flying and his tribe's use on gliders by letting you loot each time you attack using a flying creature, while additionally pumping your team via counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, this is represented as a card named The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you control.

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

It looks like an impactful card, given its low mana cost and good ETB effect.

One big weakness of Shrine decks outside of Commander is the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is great when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond sets have been receiving significant backlash from fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar could be exactly what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, and all cards will be released November 21st.