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MTG players frequently enjoy tribe-based decks — what player has not constructed a zombie strategy once or twice? — and this forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set revives two well-known examples that fit perfectly to its flavor.

Returning Tribe-Supporting Abilities

One initial ability, known as "Allies," was introduced with a Zendikar which gives boosts whenever additional permanents with this subtype enter the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" is an enchantment-based type which originated in Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribe, Shrines also become strength as a player controls more Shrines in play.

The Return of Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have appeared occasionally across newer sets, the Ally subtype was much rarer — but that ends in ATLA, where this feature gets central.

Aang must assemble a lot of friends on his quest to restore balance across the world, so there's no more fitting method to reflect this in an Magic set.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After the first set announcement, below is previews of one Ally and a Shrine cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: The Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as one cherished minor figure from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a young man from the Earth Tribe who lived at the Northern Air Temple after his village was ruined in a disaster, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Thanks to his father's skill in mechanics, Teo is able to fly in the air with his glider, and challenges Aang in an aerial contest.

This card Teo represents his fondness of the skies and the Earth Tribe's reliance on gliders by allowing the player draw and discard whenever you attack with a flying unit, and also boosting your creatures with counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: The Strong Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, this appears as the card Northern Air Temple, which drains your opponent's life when coming into play, based on how many of Shrines you have.

The card also drains an additional point anytime another Shrine comes onto the field.

It appears to be a powerful addition, given its cheap mana cost plus valuable enter the battlefield effect.

One big weakness of Shrine-based decks outside of Commander is the fact that Shrines are always legendary permanents, however this card can be effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, that drains all opponents during the start of your turn.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time when crossover products have been garnering significant backlash from the community, an iconic franchise such as Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period has begun, with the full set will be launched November 21st.