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Magic: The Gathering players consistently embrace tribe-based strategies — what player has not constructed a goblin strategy once or twice? — while the new ATLA Universes Beyond release revives 2 well-known examples which align seamlessly to the flavor.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One first ability, called "Ally," first debuted with the Zendikar and gives buffs whenever more creatures with this subtype come onto the field.

Alternatively, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based subtype which first appeared with Kamigawa. While not a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise become power as you has more of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback of the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have been shown up occasionally across recent releases, the Ally subtype has been far less common — until that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature is central.

The protagonist Aang must gather numerous allies during his quest to restore peace to the four nations, so there's no better method to show that in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Showcase

After its first set reveal, below is previews of one Allies and one Shrine card in the new ATLA set.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

Teo is a popular minor character in ATLA, a boy of the Earth Tribe that lived at the Northern Air Temple after his home was destroyed by a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's skill with engineering, he is able to fly in the air using his glider, even challenges the Avatar in a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's passion of flying along with the Earth Tribe's reliance on flying machines by allowing the player draw and discard whenever a player attacks with an airborne unit, and additionally strengthening your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine

Speaking of his home, it appears as a card named The Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life total when coming into play, depending on how many Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore removes one more life whenever a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be a powerful addition, considering the card's low mana cost and good ETB ability.

A big weakness for Shrine strategies outside of EDH is that these cards are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is great when paired alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains every opponent at the beginning of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

At a time when Universes Beyond sets have been receiving a lot of hate by the community, a beloved franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period is already here, and the full set will be launched November 21st.