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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts frequently enjoy tribe-based decks — who hasn't built an elf deck before? — while the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set brings back 2 beloved examples that align seamlessly with the theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial ability, named "Ally," was introduced with a Zendikar and grants buffs each time more permanents bearing the Ally type enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based type that first appeared with Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain power as a player owns additional of them on the battlefield.

A Return for the Ally Ability

While Shrine cards have been shown up occasionally in newer releases, the Ally subtype has been seldom seen — until this ends with ATLA, where the mechanic gets central.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble a lot of companions on the quest to restore peace across the world, so there's no better method to reflect that through an Magic expansion.

Revealed Cards Preview

After its initial set reveal, here are a look of one Ally plus a Shrines card from the new Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Character

This character stands as one beloved supporting character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of Earth Kingdom who lived in an Air Temple after his home was ruined in a disaster, which rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's expertise in engineering, Teo can glide in the air with a flying device, and challenges the Avatar in a flying race.

This card Teo showcases Teo's fondness of flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders through letting the player loot each time a player attacks with an airborne unit, while additionally boosting your team with counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his dwelling, it is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life upon coming into play, based on how many of Shrines you control.

The card also drains one more point anytime a Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be an impactful card, given the card's low mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

A big drawback for Shrine strategies in formats besides EDH is the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, but this card can be great when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

At a time when crossover sets have been receiving significant backlash by fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards will be launched November 21st.