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MTG players often embrace tribal decks — who has not built an elf deck at some point? — and the new ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back 2 well-known mechanics that match perfectly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The first ability, named "Allies," first introduced in the Zendikar which grants boosts whenever more creatures with this subtype come onto the field.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents another enchantment-based type that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain strength as a player controls additional of them on the battlefield.

A Return of the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have shown up here and there across newer sets, Allies subtype was much rarer — until that ends in ATLA, where this feature gets central.

Aang has to recruit many companions during his quest to restore balance across the world, and it's no more fitting method to show that in a Magic set.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following the initial set reveal, below are a look at one Ally plus one Shrine card from the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Character

Teo is one cherished supporting character from ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe who lived at the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's skill in engineering, he can glide through the skies using his glider, even challenges the Avatar in a flying race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's love for the skies and the Earth Tribe's use of flying machines by letting you draw and discard whenever a player attacks using a flying unit, and also strengthening your creatures with counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's dwelling, it appears in the card The Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life when coming into play, based on how many of Shrines you have.

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

This looks like a strong card, given its cheap cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A big drawback of Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH is the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, however this card is great in combination alongside another Shrine, which drains every opponent during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond products have been receiving a lot of hate from fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards set to be released November 21st.