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MTG players frequently adopt tribal decks — what player hasn't built a zombie deck before? — while this upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release revives 2 well-known examples which match perfectly with its theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One first mechanic, named "Ally," first debuted in the Zendikar which gives buffs whenever additional creatures with this type enter the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents another enchantment-based type that originated with Champions of Kamigawa. While not a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise gain power as you controls more Shrines in play.

A Return of Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally across newer sets, the Ally subtype was seldom seen — but this changes in ATLA, where the feature gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang has to assemble numerous friends during the journey to bring back balance to the world, and it's no better way to represent that through an Magic: The Gathering set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After the initial card announcement, here is previews of one Ally plus a Shrines card in the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Figure

This character stands as one cherished supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom that lived in an Air Temple after his home was ruined by a flood, an event that left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's skill in mechanics, he can glide in the air using a flying device, even challenges the Avatar to an aerial race.

This card Teo represents his fondness for flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders by letting you loot whenever you attack using a flying unit, while also strengthening your team with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Regarding Teo's home, it appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you have.

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

It looks like a powerful card, given the card's cheap mana cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

A big weakness of Shrine decks in formats besides Commander is that Shrines are typically legendary permanents, however this card is great in combination with another Shrine, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

At a time while crossover products are garnering significant backlash from fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar can be exactly just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period has begun, with all cards set to be released on Nov. 21.