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MTG fans consistently adopt tribe-based decks — who has not constructed an elf deck before? — and the new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release revives two beloved mechanics that fit perfectly to the setting.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

One first mechanic, named "Allies," first introduced with a Zendikar which grants bonuses each time more permanents bearing the Ally subtype enter play.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based subtype which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines likewise become abilities when you controls more Shrines in play.

A Return of the Ally Ability

While Shrines have been appeared sporadically in newer releases, Allies mechanic has been much rarer — until this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which the mechanic is prominently used.

Aang has to recruit many allies during the quest to restore balance to the four nations, so it's no better method to represent that in a Magic expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

After the first set reveal, here is previews at an Ally and one Shrine card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

Teo is one cherished minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man of the Earth Tribe that resided at an Air Temple after his village was ruined by a flood, which rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's skill with mechanics, he can glide through the skies using a flying device, and dares Aang to a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces Teo's love for flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance of gliders through allowing you draw and discard whenever a player attacks using a flying unit, and also pumping your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Strong Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, it appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces your opponent's life total upon entering the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

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

This appears to be an impactful card, considering its cheap cost and good enter the battlefield ability.

One major weakness of Shrine-based decks in formats besides Commander is that these cards are always Legendary, but this card can be great in combination alongside another Shrine, that drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

The Welcome Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond sets have been garnering a lot of backlash from fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely what MTG requires.

Preview period is already here, and the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.