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MTG players frequently adopt tribal tactics — who hasn't constructed a zombie deck once or twice? — while this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release brings back 2 well-known mechanics which align perfectly with the theme.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The initial mechanic, named "Ally," was debuted in a Zendikar and provides buffs each time more permanents bearing this subtype come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based type which originated with Champions of Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribal theme, Shrines also gain strength as a player controls additional Shrines on the battlefield.

A Return of the Ally Ability

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

The protagonist Aang has to gather a lot of allies on his quest to restore peace to the world, so there's no more fitting method to show that in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following the initial set announcement, here are a look at one Allies plus one Shrines card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is one cherished supporting character from ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe that resided in an Air Temple following his village was ruined in a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's skill in mechanics, Teo is able to fly through the skies using a flying device, and challenges the Avatar in a flying race.

The card Teo showcases his love for the skies along with his tribe's use of flying machines through allowing the player loot each time a player attacks using an airborne creature, while additionally strengthening your creatures via +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card also removes one more life anytime a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This appears to be a powerful addition, considering the card's cheap cost plus good enter the battlefield effect.

A big drawback of Shrine decks in formats besides EDH is the fact that Shrines are typically Legendary, but this card can be effective in combination with another Shrine, which deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

At a time while crossover sets have been garnering a lot of criticism from fans, an iconic series like Avatar could be precisely what MTG needs.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards set to be launched November 21st.