In the ever-expanding universe of Lorcana, stories thrive not just in the grand deeds of heroes and villains, but also in the unspoken mystery of whispered secrets. As the curtain rises on Lorcana’s tenth set, aptly titled Whispers in the Well, anticipation bubbles over. This latest release, enveloped in intrigue, hints at plots steeped in secrecy where a clever mind and a curious soul might discover paths hidden from plain sight. The magic interwoven into Lorcana’s tapestry remains an enticing puzzle beckoning seasoned players and newcomers alike.
The lead-up to this set has Lorcana’s faithful eagerly peering into the Well, searching for glimpses of what’s to come. With Disney and Ravensburger shaping this mysterious anthology, many details remain elusive, purposefully concealed to amplify excitement. Yet, whispers—fittingly—have slipped through, sketching a loose outline of a set focused heavily on solving puzzles, uncovering fragmented stories, and crafting strategic decks.
The planned rollout of Whispers in the Well follows a staggered timeline. Local game stores will take the lead, offering the first taste on Friday, November 7, complete with early events and promotional opportunities. Big retailers and major online platforms ride in a week later, on November 14, extending the suspense for ardent fans until the product is ready for wider circulation. This LGS-first approach sparks excitement in tight-knit gaming communities, fostering camaraderie and eager anticipation.
A focal point of this set is the introduction of a new card type, whimsically dubbed a Whisper. These aren’t just any cards—they’re partial Glimmers that invite players to piece together incomplete narratives. Imprinted on parchment with a timeworn aesthetic, they exude an air of antiquity, like fragments torn from a hallowed tome. Thus far, sightings include Ursula, Whisper of Vanessa; Gaston, Frightful Bully; Megara, Secret Keeper; and Simba, King in the Making. A fresh ability, named Boost, joins the fray, blending innovation with familiar mechanics reminiscent of the Shift. Here, the bargaining chip is knowledge of your deck’s top cards, gambling potential gains against possible losses by tucking cards beneath Whispers, rather than spending Ink in the usual manner.
Bringing new layers of enchantment are fresh arrivals from beloved franchises. The Gargoyles series jumps into the action with its key character, Demona, Scourge of the Wyvern Clan. A formidable force at six Ink, five Strength, and six Willpower, she enters not quietly, but with authority, exerting every opposing character in play. Alongside her, new adventurers emerge, tying to well-known storylines and adding depth and dimension to friendly battles. This roster includes Demona, Betrayer of the Clan; Coldstone, Reanimated Cyborg; Bronx, Ferocious Beast; and Goliath, both as Guardian of Castle Wyvern and Clan Leader.
Meanwhile, The Black Cauldron weaves its unmistakable magic, bringing functionality that transforms the very core of deck strategies. The eponymous item card, The Black Cauldron, costs three Ink and offers a unique reanimation tactic. It allows the cunning player to transfer characters from their discard pile under the Cauldron’s influence, with later opportunities to reawaken them. This turn of rules promises a fresh, invigorating archetype. Enmeshed within this tale are figures as daunting as The Horned King in various guises—Heartless Devil, Wicked Ruler, and Triumphant Ghoul—as well as Hen Wen, Prophetic Pig, and the awe-inspiring Cauldron Born.
The landscape of Whispers in the Well is familiarly vast, ticking in at 204 cards for the base set, with an additional sprinkle of 18 Enchanted, 18 Epic, and 2 Iconic cards, rounding the total to 242. Already 190 cards have seen the light, showcasing the dual Iconic cards Hades, Looking for a Deal, and Ariel, Ethereal Voice. They introduce challenging choices—Hades compels opponents into difficult decisions while rewarding the player; Ariel enriches musical strategies, drawing cards through song and synergy.
The overarching narrative embraces a theme of investigation, inviting players of all ages to channel their inner detectives. The captivating tagline Light Your Path beckons you to follow elusive clues with a discerning eye and an imaginative heart. Evocative artwork provides glimpses into detective-heavy themes, with favorites like Judy Hopps seemingly stepping into pivotal roles. The Well harbors secrets only the sly and savvy can unravel, ensuring each card played is more than a move—it’s an integral part of Lorcana’s grand quest for revelations.
Each card unveiled whispers countless stories, challenging every player to ponder, “What hidden truth might await at the well’s depths?” Such is the allure of Lorcana’s tenth set—an adventure rooted in mystery and mastery.
