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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts consistently adopt tribal decks — who hasn't assembled a goblin strategy before? — and the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back 2 popular mechanics that align seamlessly to its setting.

Returning Tribal Abilities

The first ability, called "Allies," first debuted in the Zendikar and gives bonuses each time more creatures with this type enter play.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents an enchantment-based subtype which originated with Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments also become abilities as a player owns additional Shrines in play.

A Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have appeared here and there across recent releases, Allies subtype was much rarer — until that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature gets central.

Aang must gather numerous friends during the quest to restore balance to the world, and there's no more fitting way to represent this in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following the initial set reveal, below are previews of one Allies plus one Shrines cards in the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is a cherished minor figure from ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe who resided in the Northern Air Temple following his home was ruined by a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's prowess in engineering, Teo is able to fly in the air using a flying device, and challenges the Avatar in an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases his fondness of flying along with the Earth Tribe's use on gliders by allowing the player loot each time you attack using an airborne creature, and additionally boosting your creatures via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Regarding Teo's dwelling, this is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

The card also drains an additional life anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

This appears to be a powerful addition, given the card's low mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A big drawback for Shrine-based strategies outside of Commander are the fact that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be great in combination with another Shrine, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently while Universes Beyond products are garnering a lot of criticism from fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar could be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season is already here, and the full set set to be launched on Nov. 21.