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Magic: The Gathering fans consistently enjoy tribe-based decks — what player hasn't constructed a zombie deck once or twice? — while the upcoming ATLA Universes Beyond set revives two popular examples which align seamlessly to its theme.

Reappearing Tribe-Supporting Abilities

The initial ability, known as "Allies," first introduced in the Zendikar which gives buffs each time additional creatures with the Ally type enter the field.

Alternatively, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based subtype that first appeared in Kamigawa. Although not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain power as a player controls additional of them in play.

The Comeback of Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have been appeared occasionally in recent sets, the Ally mechanic was much rarer — until that changes in ATLA, in which the mechanic is prominently used.

Aang has to recruit many friends during the quest to bring back balance to the four nations, and there's no more fitting method to represent this through a Magic expansion.

Revealed Card Showcase

Following its first set announcement, below is a look of one Ally plus a Shrines cards in the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Beloved Character

Teo stands as a popular supporting figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from Earth Kingdom who lived in an Air Temple following his home was destroyed in a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his dad's prowess in mechanics, Teo can soar in the air using his glider, and challenges the Avatar to a flying contest.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's passion for the skies along with the Earth Tribe's use on flying machines through letting the player draw and discard whenever a player attacks using a flying creature, while additionally pumping your team via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine

Regarding his dwelling, this is represented in a card named Northern Air Temple, that reduces an opponent's life upon coming into the battlefield, depending on the number Shrine cards you have.

It furthermore removes an additional life anytime a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This appears to be a strong addition, given the card's cheap cost plus good ETB effect.

A major drawback for Shrine-based decks outside of EDH are that Shrines are always Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be great in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Timely Collaboration

Currently when Universes Beyond sets are receiving significant backlash from the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering needs.

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