Much like a chest brimming with ancient treasures hidden deep beneath the sands, the anticipation for Lorcana’s tenth set “Whispers in the Well” is growing, enveloping fans of the card game in an aura of mystery and excitement. Scheduled for a staggered release, this new set promises to unfold like the plot of a gripping detective novel, filled with enigmatic clues and the challenge of collecting fragmented pieces of a larger puzzle.
The suspense pulsates as local game stores prepare to host the set on Friday, November 7, alongside early events and unique promo opportunities, offering a treasure trove of excitement for the community loyalists. It’s like the calm before the storm, only to have the bigger retailers and major online shops open the floodgates a week later on November 14. This deliberate rollout isn’t just a marketing tactic; it’s an invitation to a week-long crescendo of intrigue for those who savor decoding a challenge ahead of the masses.
At the heart of this new expansion is the revolutionary introduction of a card type known as a “Whisper.” These are not your regular cards but rather partial Glimmers, the card game’s equivalency of putting fallen leaves together to get a glimpse of a hidden message invisible at first glance. Whispers unfold the concept of assembling fragments into complete characters, resembling pages torn from an ancient lorebook with their rustic parchment appearances. The illustrations and titles only add to their allure—Ursula, Whisper of Vanessa; Gaston, Frightful Bully; Megara, Secret Keeper; and Simba, King in the Making are just the beginning of these cryptic collectibles.
Adding another layer to the gameplay’s complexity is a new ability named “Boost,” standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the existing ‘Shift’ ability. Here’s how it works: instead of exchanging Ink in the traditional method, you get to “boost” by nestling another card beneath the Whisper. This strategic maneuver transforms knowing what cards are on top of your deck into fuel for powerful tactical moves. For adept strategists who can peer into the top layers of their deck, it’s like merging chess with divination—identifying and storing lesser cards while gambling on drawing valuable assets without significant loss.
Adding even more cinematic allure, Lorcana’s tenth set welcomes new franchises. Remember those stone-skin protectors from your Saturday morning cartoons? The clan of Gargoyles is descending into the card universe, led by the formidable Demona, Scourge of the Wyvern Clan. With the ability to exert every opposing character when she joins play, her presence is akin to an ace up the sleeve. Accompanying her, you’ll find fascinating characters like Coldstone, Reanimated Cyborg and Bronx, Ferocious Beast, reinforcing the mythic battlefield on the tabletop.
For fantasy connoisseurs, “The Black Cauldron” franchise introduces a mechanical twist worthy of Merlin’s own approval, reshaping deck-building strategies with mystical reanimation. The three Ink costing item “The Black Cauldron” lets you transport a character from your discard pile into its witchy grasp, compelling them to rise anew. With this, The Horned King, Heartless Devil, and the prophetic pig Hen Wen emerge from the pages, adding to the folklore flair.
Expect to navigate through a set of 204 cards at its base, plus 18 Enchanted, 18 Epic, and 2 Iconic, summing up to a solid 242. With nearly 190 cards already made public, enthusiasts are buzzing over the potential of the remaining hidden treasures. Among the Iconic class are “Hades, Looking for a Deal” and “Ariel, Ethereal Voice”—Hades can pressure the opponents into difficult choices while Ariel harmonizes card draw with enchanting melodies, provided she’s strategically prepped with a card nestled beneath her.
True to its name, “Whispers in the Well” echoes a storied invitation to unravel secrets, listen attentively to murmurs, and follow them with a keen eye and mind. Much like a detective on the trail of a cunning adversary, the set’s tagline “Light Your Path” beckons players into an epic quest rivaling the drama of the silver screen. With Judy Hopps seemingly a central player, artists have magnificently captured moments brimming with detective noir aesthetics—trench coats, shadowy alleyways, and glimmers of light exposing truths previously unseen.
As November approaches, both the story’s whispers and the mechanical mechanisms invite players to immerse in an engaging tapestry woven with creativity and strategy, shining light on pathways yet to be charted. For those who’ve awaited its arrival, the anticipation for Lorcana’s tenth set is not just about the cards themselves, but the grand adventure and thrilling mysteries they promise to unfold.
