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Magic: The Gathering fans consistently embrace tribal tactics — what player hasn't constructed an elf strategy before? — while the forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set brings back two popular examples which fit seamlessly with the setting.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The initial mechanic, called "Ally," first debuted in the Zendikar set and grants bonuses each time more creatures with this type come onto the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrine" is another enchantment-based subtype which originated in Champions of Kamigawa. Although not creature-based tribal theme, Shrines also become abilities when a player has more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback of the Ally Mechanic

While Shrines have been shown up here and there in newer releases, the Ally subtype has been much rarer — until that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature gets heavily featured.

The protagonist Aang must assemble numerous companions during the journey to bring back balance across the world, and it's no better method to represent this through a Magic set.

Revealed Card Preview

Following its first card reveal, here is a look at one Ally and one Shrine card in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Beloved Figure

This character stands as a popular supporting figure from ATLA, a young man of the Earth Tribe that resided in an Air Temple following his village was destroyed in a flood, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Due to his father's expertise with engineering, Teo can glide in the air using a flying device, and dares Aang in a flying contest.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider showcases Teo's love of flying and his tribe's use of gliders by letting you loot whenever you attack with an airborne unit, while also strengthening your team via +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: The Powerful Shrine

Speaking of Teo's home, it appears in a card named The Northern Air Temple, which drains an opponent's life upon coming into play, based on the number of Shrines you control.

The card also drains one more point whenever another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

It looks like an impactful addition, given its cheap cost and valuable ETB effect.

One major drawback of Shrine strategies in formats besides Commander are the fact that these cards are typically Legendary, but Northern Air Temple is great in combination alongside another Shrine, that deals damage to every opponent at the beginning of your turn.

The Timely Crossover

Currently when Universes Beyond sets have been garnering a lot of backlash from fans, a beloved franchise such as Avatar could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Spoiler season is already here, and the full set will be launched on Nov. 21.