As the nights grow longer and the mystery clouds grow thicker, fans of the card game Lorcana find themselves on the edge of their seats awaiting the release of the enigmatic tenth set, aptly named "Whispers in the Well." Disney and Ravensburger, the dynamic duo behind Lorcana, have decided to play the game close to their chest this time, heightening anticipation with an air of secrecy and a dash of cryptic charm. This set promises to be a treasure trove of sleuthing surprises, as it draws players into a web of puzzles, historical fragments, and deck manipulations that could rival a Sherlock Holmes mystery.
The rollout of Whispers in the Well presents its own narrative, starting on Friday, November 7, when local game stores first get their hands on the coveted packs. For the first week, these local hubs will bask in the glow of early excitement, offering players a chance to engage in promo events and get an early peek at the secrets within. It’s a strategy that whets the appetite before the release expands to major retailers and online platforms on November 14, ensuring a ripple of excitement that extends far and wide.
At the heart of this new set is an intriguing card dynamic: the Whisper. Whispers function as partial Glimmers — tantalizing fragments of a story waiting to be stitched together. The visual presentation of these cards is nothing short of a love letter to avid lore seekers, with textures resembling worn parchment and edges suggesting torn pages from a half-remembered tome. Four Whispers have been sighted so far: Ursula, Whisper of Vanessa, Gaston, Frightful Bully, Megara, Secret Keeper, and Simba, King in the Making. Each comes with the new Boost ability, which cleverly echoes the familiar mechanics of the Shift ability. Players will find themselves sliding cards beneath their Whispers, turning top-deck fodder into strategic fuel. But, beware — a poor view of your deck’s top could lead to missteps than even Holmes would lament!
The intrigue doesn’t stop there as Whispers in the Well ushers in new faces to join the Lorcana universe. The enigmatic world of Gargoyles makes a powerful entrance, with Demona, Scourge of the Wyvern Clan, leading the charge. This formidable character, demanding six Ink for her summoning with stats befitting her fearsome reputation, can simultaneously exert all opposing characters upon entering the fray. Other notable characters from the clan jump into the spotlight, including Coldstone, Reanimated Cyborg, Brooklyn, Second in Command, and Goliath, Clan Leader, all bringing their own unique flair to the game.
Adding another layer to the mystery, The Black Cauldron franchise also makes its long-anticipated debut. Its presence in the set is marked by a significant deck-building twist through the mechanic of reanimation — a first for Lorcana. The Black Cauldron, a three Ink investment, allows players to transport characters from their discard pile beneath the cauldron, offering an innovative method to bring back allies from the depths of defeat. This opens up brand new strategic archetypes, with The Horned King, Wicked Ruler, and the adorable but mysterious Hen Wen all playing key roles in this reanimation theme.
The set's scope will not surprise avid Lorcana fans, covering a base of 204 cards plus an additional smattering of 18 Enchanted, 18 Epic, and 2 Iconic cards, bringing the grand total to a hefty 242. The Iconic pair, Hades, Looking for a Deal, and Ariel, Ethereal Voice, offer an enticing challenge. Hades presents a devilish choice to opponents, while Ariel backs a harmonious strategy, drawing cards in celebration of songs previously played.
While mechanics promise to engage, the lore this set pursues demands attention. “Light Your Path,” the tagline beckons, an invitation to stride with purpose through the mysteries the Whispers shroud. But art is the grand definer here, with each card a visual tableau of detective fervor. Judy Hopps, ever the diligent officer, appears to be a centerpiece of this narrative mystery, guiding players in their pursuit of truth hidden in shadows. As the set tantalizes the senses with hints and half-truths, it encourages a playful mindset, inviting players to lose themselves in the joy of the chase, where the goal is less about the destination and more about deciphering the enigmatic echoes of the Whispering Well.
As November 14 approaches, the whispers growing louder, one thing remains certain: Lorcana’s newest set will transform every player into a seeker of secrets, a puzzle master, and a narrative adventurer. With decks shuffled and wits sharpened, the question isn’t where to start, but rather where these clues will take you next.
Mysteries at the Well
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