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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often enjoy tribal strategies — what player hasn't built a goblin strategy at some point? — while this new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release brings back two beloved mechanics which fit perfectly with the theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first mechanic, called "Allies," first debuted with a Zendikar set and gives buffs each time more permanents with this type enter the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based type which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, Shrines also become abilities as a player has additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Comeback for Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have been shown up sporadically across recent sets, Allies mechanic was seldom seen — until that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature is heavily featured.

Aang must gather many friends on the journey to restore balance across the four nations, and there's no better method to show that through a Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Showcase

Following the initial card announcement, below is a look of an Allies plus a Shrines cards in the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo is a cherished supporting character in ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe that lived in an Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Because of his father's expertise in engineering, he is able to glide in the air using his glider, even dares Aang in an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his passion of flying and his tribe's use of flying machines by allowing you draw and discard each time a player attacks with an airborne creature, and additionally strengthening your team via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his home, it appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life when entering the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

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

It looks like an impactful card, considering the card's cheap mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

One big weakness for Shrine decks outside of EDH are the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, but this card can be great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently while crossover products have been garnering significant backlash from the community, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be exactly what MTG requires.

Preview period is already here, and all cards will be launched November 21st.