Typal coupling
Coupling is a R&D slang term used for the action of combining two creature types in rules text
Description
Tribal coupling provides synergy and broader applicability. In concept, it is very similar to batching.[1][2]
History
Spiritcraft
One of the earliest form of subtype coupling was done with a spell subtype, where Spirits were coupled with Arcane ("Spiritcraft"). However, these were largely all cast triggers, as opposed to the later tribal couplings which could use combat and searching effects.
Wolves and werewolves
Wolves and werewolves were first combined on three cards in Innistrad block. The concept of coupling these creature types was expanded upon in Shadows over Innistrad (four cards), Eldritch Moon, War of the Spark, Core Set 2020 (one card each), Innistrad: Midnight Hunt (seven cards), Innistrad: Crimson Vow (eight cards) and Alchemy: Innistrad (two cards). In most cases the coupling enabled Tribal werewolf synergies without needing a high density of the space-limited double-faced cards.
Undead
An occasional theme across top-down designs collect some combination of Vampire, Zombie or Skeleton as "undead creatures". One card (Death Baron) combines Zombie and Skeleton together; two cards combine Vampire and Zombie; and two combine all three.
Relatedly, three cards in Innistrad combined Werewolves, Vampires and Zombies as "creatures of the night" as the main threats towards humanity on Innistrad; as expected for a horror plane, undead are a major aspect.
Party
Due to the Party mechanic being a counting mechanic, four cards combined the types of Cleric, Warrior, Wizard and Rogue in their text for referencing them outside of the battlefield.
Ninjas and rogues
Four cards in Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty combined ninjas and rogues, allowing for backwards-compatibility, especially with party cards.
Samurai and warriors
Ten cards in Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty and one card in Alchemy: Kamigawa combine samurai and warriors, allowing for backwards-compatibility, especially with party cards.
Serpents, octopuses, leviathans and krakens
Six cards over six different sets batch together Serpents, Octopuses, Leviathans and Krakens as a "sea creature" collective, each of which are too rare to have tribal effects on their own.
Assassins, mercenaries, and rogues
Mari, the Killing Quill from the Streets of New Capenna Commander decks is the first card to couple Assassins Mercenaries, and Rogues.
References
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (February 9, 2022). "Please continue to do these double tribal cards". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (February 9, 2022). "Can you start batching Snakes and Naga if they're going to remain separate tribes?". Blogatog. Tumblr.