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MTG enthusiasts consistently enjoy tribal tactics — what player has not assembled an elf strategy before? — and this forthcoming ATLA Universes Beyond release brings back 2 well-known examples that match perfectly with its theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One initial ability, called "Allies," was debuted with the Zendikar set which provides boosts whenever more creatures bearing this subtype come onto play.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based type which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribe, Shrines also become strength when you owns additional of them in play.

The Comeback for Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have shown up sporadically in recent sets, Allies subtype was much rarer — but that changes in ATLA, where the mechanic gets prominently used.

Aang must gather a lot of allies during the journey to bring back peace to the world, so there's no more fitting method to show that through a Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

Following its first set announcement, below are a look of one Allies and one Shrines cards from the upcoming ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

This character is one beloved supporting character from ATLA, a boy from Earth Kingdom who lived in the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a flood, an event that left him unable to walk.

Because of his father's prowess in engineering, he can fly in the air with his glider, even challenges the Avatar in an aerial contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's passion of the skies along with his tribe's use of gliders through allowing the player loot whenever you attack using a flying unit, and also strengthening your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Regarding Teo's home, it is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total upon entering play, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

The card furthermore drains one more life whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It appears to be a powerful card, considering its cheap mana cost plus good ETB ability.

A big weakness of Shrine strategies outside of Commander is that these cards are always Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is effective when paired alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Crossover

At a time when crossover products are garnering a lot of hate from fans, an iconic series such as Avatar could be exactly just what MTG needs.

Preview period has begun, and all cards set to be launched November 21st.