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Magic: The Gathering players consistently enjoy tribe-based decks — who has not assembled a zombie strategy once or twice? — and the new ATLA Universes Beyond release revives 2 popular examples that fit seamlessly with its setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial mechanic, called "Allies," first debuted with a Zendikar set which provides bonuses whenever more permanents bearing this type enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents another enchantment subtype that originated in Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise become abilities when a player has more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback of Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have appeared occasionally across newer sets, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — but this changes in ATLA, where the mechanic is central.

The protagonist Aang has to gather many companions during his quest to restore balance to the world, so it's no more fitting way to represent this through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following the first set reveal, here is a look of one Allies and a Shrine card from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is one popular supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom who lived at the Northern Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, which rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's expertise with mechanics, he is able to fly in the air with his glider, and challenges the Avatar in a flying race.

The card Teo showcases Teo's passion for flying along with his tribe's use on flying machines through allowing the player draw and discard each time a player attacks using an airborne unit, while additionally strengthening your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, it appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life upon coming into play, based on the number of Shrines you have.

It furthermore drains one more point anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

It appears to be an impactful addition, considering its cheap cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A major drawback of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides Commander is the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently while crossover products are garnering a lot of criticism from fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season is already here, and the full set will be released on Nov. 21.