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Magic: The Gathering players frequently embrace tribe-based tactics — who hasn't built a zombie deck once or twice? — and the new ATLA Universes Beyond release is reintroducing two well-known mechanics that fit perfectly to the flavor.

Reappearing Tribal Mechanics

The first mechanic, called "Ally," first debuted with the Zendikar set which provides buffs each time more permanents with the Ally subtype come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based type that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments likewise gain abilities when a player owns more of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback for Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally across newer sets, Allies subtype was seldom seen — but this ends in ATLA, in which this mechanic gets central.

The protagonist Aang must gather many friends during the quest to restore peace across the four nations, and there's no more fitting way to reflect that through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Card Preview

Following the first card announcement, here is a look at an Ally plus a Shrine card from the upcoming ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

Teo stands as a cherished minor character from ATLA, a boy of Earth Kingdom that lived at an Air Temple following his home was ruined in a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's skill with engineering, Teo can fly through the skies with a flying device, even challenges Aang to an aerial race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's fondness of the skies and his tribe's use on gliders by letting you draw and discard each time a player attacks with an airborne unit, while additionally pumping your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, it appears as the card Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, based on how many of Shrines you have.

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

It appears to be an impactful addition, given its cheap cost and good ETB ability.

One big weakness of Shrine decks outside of Commander is the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple is effective in combination with another Shrine, that drains every opponent during the start of your main phase.

A Timely Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond products are garnering a lot of backlash by fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar could be precisely what MTG requires.

Spoiler season has begun, and all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.