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Magic: The Gathering fans often embrace tribal strategies — who hasn't assembled an elf deck once or twice? — while this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set revives two well-known mechanics that align perfectly to its theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first mechanic, named "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar set which grants bonuses whenever more permanents bearing this type enter the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents another enchantment subtype which first appeared in Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise become power as a player owns more of them in play.

The Return for Allies Mechanic

Although Shrines have appeared here and there in newer sets, the Ally subtype was far less common — until that ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature gets central.

The protagonist Aang must assemble a lot of allies during his quest to bring back balance across the world, so it's no more fitting way to show this in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

After its first card announcement, below is previews at an Allies plus one Shrines cards in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is one cherished supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from the Earth Tribe that resided in the Northern Air Temple after his home was ruined in a disaster, which rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his dad's prowess in mechanics, he is able to glide through the skies with a flying device, even challenges the Avatar to an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's fondness for flying and the Earth Tribe's use on flying machines through allowing the player loot whenever a player attacks using a flying creature, and also boosting your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Speaking of his dwelling, it is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life when entering the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you control.

It also drains an additional life anytime another Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be an impactful addition, considering the card's low mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A major drawback for Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander is that these cards are always legendary permanents, however this card can be great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

Currently when crossover products are receiving significant hate by the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar can be exactly what MTG needs.

Spoiler season is already here, and all cards set to be released on Nov. 21.