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MTG enthusiasts frequently adopt tribe-based tactics — what player hasn't built a zombie deck before? — and the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release is reintroducing 2 popular examples which fit perfectly with its theme.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The initial mechanic, known as "Ally," was introduced in the Zendikar which gives bonuses each time more creatures with this subtype enter the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based type which first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, Shrines also become abilities as a player has additional of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have been appeared occasionally across recent sets, the Ally subtype has been much rarer — until this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the feature gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to gather many friends during the journey to bring back balance across the four nations, and it's no better method to reflect that in a Magic set.

Revealed Card Preview

Following its initial set announcement, below are previews at one Allies and one Shrine cards from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo is one cherished supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe that resided in an Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a disaster, which left him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's skill with mechanics, he is able to fly in the air with a flying device, even challenges the Avatar in an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his fondness of flying along with his tribe's reliance of gliders through allowing the player loot whenever a player attacks using an airborne unit, and also pumping your creatures via counters in the process.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his home, it appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces an opponent's life upon coming into play, based on the number Shrine cards you control.

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

This looks like a powerful addition, considering the card's low mana cost plus good ETB effect.

One major drawback for Shrine-based strategies outside of Commander are that Shrines are always Legendary, however Northern Air Temple is effective when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Timely Crossover

Currently while Universes Beyond sets are garnering a lot of backlash by the community, a beloved series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

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