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Magic: The Gathering fans consistently embrace tribe-based decks — who has not assembled a zombie strategy before? — and the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set brings back 2 well-known mechanics that align seamlessly to the flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial ability, called "Ally," was debuted with the Zendikar set and provides buffs whenever more creatures with the Ally type come onto the field.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents an enchantment type that first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise become abilities as a player owns more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return of Allies Ability

Although Shrines have shown up here and there across newer sets, Allies subtype has been seldom seen — but this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this mechanic is central.

Aang has to recruit numerous friends during his journey to restore balance to the world, and it's no more fitting way to represent that in an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

Following its first card reveal, here is a look at an Allies and a Shrine card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo: A Beloved Figure

This character stands as one beloved supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe that lived in an Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's skill in mechanics, Teo can fly in the air using his glider, even challenges the Avatar to a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's love for flying along with his tribe's use on flying machines by letting the player loot each time you attack using an airborne unit, while additionally pumping your creatures with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's home, it is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total upon coming into play, depending on how many Shrine cards you control.

The card also drains one more point whenever another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like a powerful addition, given the card's cheap cost and valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A major drawback of Shrine-based decks outside of EDH are that these cards are always Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is effective in combination with another Shrine, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond sets have been garnering a lot of backlash from fans, an iconic series such as Avatar can be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

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