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Magic: The Gathering players frequently embrace tribe-based strategies — what player has not built a goblin deck before? — while the new ATLA Universes Beyond set is reintroducing 2 popular examples that align seamlessly with the flavor.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One first ability, called "Allies," first introduced in a Zendikar and gives boosts whenever additional creatures bearing this type come onto the battlefield.

Alternatively, "Shrines" is another enchantment-based type that first appeared in Champions of Kamigawa. While not exactly a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise become abilities when a player owns additional of them in play.

The Return of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have been appeared here and there across newer sets, Allies subtype has been much rarer — until this changes with ATLA, where the mechanic is central.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit numerous friends during his quest to restore peace across the world, and there's no better method to show that in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Revealed Cards Showcase

Following its initial set announcement, here are previews of one Ally and one Shrines card from the new ATLA set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Beloved Figure

Teo stands as one beloved minor character from ATLA, a young man from the Earth Tribe that lived at the Northern Air Temple following his village was destroyed by a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Because of his father's skill in engineering, Teo can fly in the air with his glider, even challenges the Avatar to an aerial race.

This card Teo reproduces his love of flying and the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders by letting you draw and discard each time you attack using an airborne unit, while additionally pumping your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: The Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's home, this appears as the card The Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life upon entering the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you control.

The card furthermore drains one more life whenever a Shrine enters the field.

This appears to be a powerful addition, considering its low mana cost and valuable ETB ability.

A major drawback of Shrine decks outside of EDH are that these cards are typically legendary permanents, but this card is great when paired with another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent during the start of your main phase.

The Welcome Crossover

At a time while crossover sets have been receiving a lot of hate by the community, a beloved franchise like Avatar can be precisely just what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season has begun, with the full set set to be launched November 21st.