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Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts often enjoy tribe-based strategies — who has not built an elf deck once or twice? — and the new ATLA Universes Beyond set brings back two beloved examples that match seamlessly to its setting.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

One first ability, known as "Ally," was introduced in a Zendikar set and gives bonuses whenever additional permanents bearing this subtype come onto play.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents an enchantment subtype that first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribe, these enchantments also gain strength as you owns additional of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback of Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have appeared sporadically across newer sets, Allies mechanic was seldom seen — until that changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature is heavily featured.

Aang has to assemble numerous friends during his quest to bring back balance across the world, so there's no more fitting method to show that in a Magic: The Gathering set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After the first set reveal, here is previews of one Ally plus one Shrines card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Character

Teo stands as one beloved supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe that resided in the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his dad's skill with mechanics, Teo is able to soar in the air using his glider, even challenges the Avatar to an aerial race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider reproduces his fondness for the skies and the Earth Tribe's use on gliders by letting the player draw and discard whenever you attack with an airborne unit, and also pumping your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine

Regarding his home, this is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life upon coming into play, depending on how many Shrine cards you control.

The card furthermore removes an additional life whenever a Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This looks like a strong addition, given its low mana cost plus good ETB effect.

A major weakness of Shrine strategies outside of Commander is that these cards are typically Legendary, but this card can be great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

A Welcome Crossover

Currently when crossover products are garnering a lot of hate by fans, an iconic franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering needs.

Preview period has begun, and all cards will be launched November 21st.