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MTG fans often adopt tribe-based tactics — who hasn't assembled a zombie deck before? — while the new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set is reintroducing two popular examples which match seamlessly to its theme.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

One first ability, named "Ally," was debuted with the Zendikar set and gives bonuses whenever additional creatures bearing the Ally subtype enter the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is another enchantment subtype that originated in Champions of Kamigawa. While not a creature tribe, these enchantments also become power as a player has more Shrines in play.

The Return for Allies Mechanic

While Shrines have appeared sporadically across recent sets, Allies mechanic has been far less common — until this changes with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where the feature gets central.

Aang has to recruit numerous friends during the journey to bring back balance to the four nations, so it's no better method to reflect that in a Magic set.

Revealed Cards Preview

After the first card reveal, here are a look at an Ally and a Shrine card from the new ATLA release.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

This character is one beloved supporting character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of Earth Kingdom who lived at an Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a disaster, an event that left him paraplegic.

Thanks to his dad's expertise with mechanics, Teo can fly in the air with his glider, even challenges the Avatar to a flying race.

This card Teo showcases his fondness for flying along with his tribe's reliance on flying machines through allowing the player loot whenever you attack using an airborne creature, and additionally pumping your creatures via counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, it is represented in the card The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life when entering the battlefield, depending on how many of Shrines you have.

It also drains an additional life anytime another Shrine enters the field.

It appears to be an impactful card, considering the card's cheap mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield ability.

One big weakness for Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH are that Shrines are typically Legendary, but this card is effective in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Timely Collaboration

Currently while crossover products have been garnering a lot of criticism from fans, a beloved franchise like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what MTG needs.

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