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Magic: The Gathering players frequently enjoy tribe-based tactics — who hasn't assembled a goblin deck at some point? — and this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release brings back two popular mechanics which match seamlessly with the setting.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial ability, called "Allies," was debuted with the Zendikar and provides boosts each time additional permanents with this subtype come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based type that originated with Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become abilities as a player owns more of them on the battlefield.

A Return of the Ally Mechanic

Although Shrine cards have been appeared here and there across newer sets, the Ally mechanic has been much rarer — but that changes in ATLA, in which the feature is heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit many companions during the journey to restore balance to the world, and there's no better way to represent this through an Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

Following the first set announcement, here is previews at one Allies and one Shrines card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo stands as a popular minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe that lived at the Northern Air Temple after his village was destroyed by a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his father's prowess with engineering, he can glide in the air using his glider, and challenges the Avatar in an aerial contest.

This card Teo showcases Teo's love of flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines by allowing you loot each time a player attacks with an airborne unit, and additionally boosting your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, this is represented in the card Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total when coming into play, based on the number of Shrines you control.

The card furthermore removes one more point anytime a Shrine comes onto the field.

This appears to be a strong addition, given the card's low cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A major drawback for Shrine-based strategies outside of Commander are the fact that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple can be effective in combination alongside another Shrine, which drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently when crossover sets have been receiving a lot of hate by the community, an iconic series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set set to be launched November 21st.