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Magic: The Gathering fans often embrace tribal decks — who has not assembled an elf deck once or twice? — and this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release brings back 2 beloved examples that align seamlessly to the theme.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One initial mechanic, called "Allies," was debuted in the Zendikar set which gives buffs whenever more creatures bearing this subtype enter play.

Alternatively, "Shrine" represents an enchantment type that first appeared with Champions of Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also become strength when a player owns additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return of the Ally Ability

Although Shrines have appeared occasionally across newer sets, Allies mechanic was much rarer — but this changes with ATLA, in which this feature gets heavily featured.

Aang has to assemble many allies on the journey to restore peace across the four nations, and there's no more fitting way to represent this through a Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

After its initial card reveal, below is previews at an Ally and a Shrines card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as a beloved supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy from Earth Kingdom who resided in the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined by a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's expertise with engineering, he is able to soar through the skies using a flying device, even challenges Aang in an aerial race.

This card Teo represents his passion of flying and his tribe's use of gliders through letting you draw and discard whenever you attack using a flying creature, while additionally pumping your team with counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, it appears as the card Northern Air Temple, that drains your opponent's life upon coming into play, depending on how many Shrine cards you control.

It also drains an additional life anytime a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This looks like a powerful addition, considering the card's low mana cost and valuable enter the battlefield ability.

A big drawback for Shrine-based decks outside of Commander is the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, however this card can be great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond sets have been garnering a lot of criticism by the community, an iconic series like Avatar could be exactly what MTG requires.

Preview period has begun, and all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.