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Magic: The Gathering fans consistently adopt tribal tactics — who has not constructed a zombie strategy once or twice? — while the new ATLA Universes Beyond set revives two beloved mechanics that align seamlessly with its theme.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The initial ability, known as "Allies," first introduced in the Zendikar set and gives buffs each time additional creatures bearing this subtype enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based subtype that first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribe, Shrines likewise gain strength as a player owns additional of them in play.

The Return of Allies Ability

While Shrine cards have been shown up sporadically across recent sets, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — until this ends in ATLA, where the mechanic is heavily featured.

Aang has to gather numerous companions during his journey to restore peace to the four nations, and there's no better method to represent that in an Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following its first set reveal, here is previews at an Allies plus a Shrines cards from the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

This character stands as one popular minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom that resided in the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Because of his father's prowess with mechanics, Teo is able to soar in the air using his glider, and challenges the Avatar to a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his passion of the skies and his tribe's reliance of gliders through allowing you loot whenever you attack with a flying creature, and also boosting your team via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, this is represented as the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total when entering the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you control.

It also removes one more life anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

This looks like a powerful addition, considering its low cost and good ETB ability.

One big weakness for Shrine-based strategies outside of EDH is the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

A Timely Crossover

At a time while crossover products have been garnering a lot of backlash from fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what MTG requires.

Preview period is already here, and the full set set to be released November 21st.