When the first Innistrad block released, players loved its unique Gothic theme and classic horror atmosphere. Great artwork and flavourful card design helped bring them to life, but the real backbone of that theme were the five instantly recognisable tribes that made up the inhabitants of Innistrad.

For players, these tribes are among some of the most loved—and often collected—in the entire history of Magic, and the good news is that they’re all returning in Shadows over Innistrad.

Whether you’re looking forward to brewing with your favourite creature types, or just scoping out synergies that will carry you to victory at your pre-release and beyond, it pays to know your tribes.

Tribe #1: Zombies

If you like mindless, shambling husks of reanimated flesh, Shadows over Innistrad definitely won’t disappoint. The zombie hordes are returning, and they are hungry for both your brains, and your card advantage.

With a black and blue colour identity, zombies rely on graveyard synergies and strength in numbers, and are well complimented by strong removal and support spells.

Because zombie cards interact with the graveyard so well, many have been designed to support and make use of SOI’s Madness and Delirium mechanics—giving you ways to both fill your graveyard, and make sure that you can benefit from a well-stocked yard.

Tribe #2: Vampires

With sharp fangs and an even sharper dress sense, vampires are one of Innistrad’s most iconic tribes. But this time around, something has rattled them pretty badly, and they’re even more unhinged than usual.

Vampires in Shadows over Innistrad seem to have embraced madness, and this is clearly reflected in the mechanics utilized by the cards. Iconic new vampire cards like Olivia, Mobilized for War and Heir of Falkenrath demonstrate this perfectly, giving you both solid discard outlets, and greater benefits for playing cards with Madness.

Many vampires in SOI are also double-faced cards, illustrating the transformation from well-groomed nobles into blood-crazed flying monsters. Excitingly, many of the transforming vampires seem to have proactive flip-abilities, meaning you can activate them when you choose. This is a big deal, as it can help you evade removal and bait your opponent into bad situation—perfectly in keeping with the characteristics and attitudes of vampires.

Tribe #3: Humans

Humans make up the masses of Innistrad, and from what we’ve seen in the previous block, they have 2 default modes: perpetually terrified and unbroken in their resolve. Thankfully, characters like Thalia, and the rest of Innistrad’s vigilant militia keep them from just being zombie/werewolf/vampire food.

Humans find strength in numbers, and are often at home in “white weenie” style strategies that simple seek to drown opponents in creatures. From what we’ve seen so far, this is likely the role that Humans will fill again in Shadows over Innistrad.

Flavour-wise, there doesn’t seem to be that much going on with the humans of Innistrad. They’re just being their usual distressed selves, running around in absolute terror and occasionally banding together to attempt to survive the complete madness going on around them.

Tribe #4: Werewolves

Like vampires, werewolves are the other transforming inhabitants of Innistrad. However, these lupine lunatics have far less control over when they become more beast than man. They are at the mercy of the moon, and when it comes out, things get really exciting.

If you’ve been following the story of Shadows over Innistrad, you’ll know that there is something very strange going on with the moon. For the werewolves, this means more erratic behaviour, unpredictability, and perhaps greater power than ever before.

Tribe #5: Angels

Angels are without a doubt the most beloved and widely-collected tribe in the history of Magic.  Known for their grace, power and beauty, angels rule the skies, protecting the innocent and purging the foul and demonic. At least they did…

Something in Innistrad has got the angels pretty riled up, and by riled up I mean they have gone completely insane and have become one of the greatest threats on the plane instead of its most devout protectors.

Avacyn, once the angel of hope and the protector of humans, is now a full-blown purifier of the unclean, and nobody is safe from her wrath. The madness of this once iconic angel has led many people to believe that the “Shadows over Innistrad” are actually the insane angels. Who knows what the future holds for them.

Look out for more

I hope that you found that short introduction to the tribes of Innistrad interesting. Keep your eyes peeled this week for more thoughts on the themes and mechanics of Shadows over Innistrad, and make sure you go into your pre-releases prepared!