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Magic: The Gathering fans often enjoy tribe-based tactics — who has not constructed an elf strategy at some point? — while the new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond release is reintroducing 2 beloved mechanics which match seamlessly with the theme.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Mechanics

The initial mechanic, called "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar which grants bonuses whenever more creatures with the Ally subtype enter play.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" is an enchantment-based subtype that first appeared with Kamigawa. Although not a creature tribe, these enchantments likewise gain abilities when you controls more of them on the battlefield.

The Comeback for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have appeared here and there in recent releases, Allies mechanic has been much rarer — until this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature gets central.

Aang has to recruit a lot of allies on the quest to restore peace across the world, so it's no more fitting method to reflect that in a Magic expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

Following the initial set announcement, below is a look of one Ally plus one Shrines card in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Beloved Character

This character is one cherished supporting character in ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom that resided in an Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a flood, which left him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's skill with engineering, Teo can soar in the air with a flying device, even dares Aang in an aerial contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's fondness of the skies and his tribe's reliance of gliders by letting you draw and discard each time a player attacks using a flying unit, and also pumping your creatures via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, this is represented as the card Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life total upon coming into play, depending on the number Shrine cards you control.

The card furthermore removes one more life anytime a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be a powerful addition, considering its cheap cost plus valuable ETB ability.

A big weakness of Shrine-based strategies in formats besides EDH is that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your turn.

A Welcome Crossover

At a time while Universes Beyond products are receiving a lot of criticism by the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar could be exactly just what MTG requires.

Preview period has begun, and the full set set to be released November 21st.