The enchanted mystery box that is the world of Lorcana is about to unfurl yet again, with its tenth set, aptly named “Whispers in the Well”, soon ready to take the stage. A mix of whispers and sleuthing, Disney and Ravensburger, the masterminds behind this whimsical universe, are keeping much of the details under wraps, sparking a frenzy of speculation, leaks, and eager anticipation among the community. The release marks the second of the current rotation, promising seasoned players and newcomers alike a fresh wave of excitement.
Designed to be more mysterious than the cryptic riddles from a fantasy tale, the rollout is a staggered one. Local game shops are privileged with an early peek, receiving the set on Friday, November 7, filled with fanfare, early events, and promotional opportunities that would make any avid collector’s heart race. Come November 14, the gates open for major retailers and online stores, igniting a wider release that embraces the chaos and strategy of Lorcana’s new chapter.
At the core of this set is the introduction of an innovative new card type: the Whisper. Described with the allure of an ancient parchment or a torn page from a magical lorebook, these cards are partial Glimmers. The game’s narrative beckons players to piece together these fragments, much like assembling a puzzle, into complete characters – an enticing prospect for those who relish a challenge. Ursula, Whisper of Vanessa; Gaston, Frightful Bully; Megara, Secret Keeper; and Simba, King in the Making are among the newfound whispers to intrigue and strategize over.
Another intriguing mechanic debuting in “Whispers in the Well” is the Boost ability, which leans towards the idea of turning knowledge into power, quite like an ancient sage drawing hints from the stars. It echoes the Shift dynamic as it requires you to slide a card beneath the Whisper instead of the traditional Ink payment. This evokes the suspenseful feeling of tipping fate’s scales: stash a low-value card if you can glimpse the future or drop something critical into the unknown.
Keeping the tale fresh, new franchises step into the limelight, notably the nostalgic allure of “Gargoyles”. Demona strides back into our hearts with force as Demona, Scourge of the Wyvern Clan. Not one to shy away, she is joined by a cast of other clan luminaries like Coldstone, Bronx, and Goliath, each infusing their own brand of strength, willpower, and thematic depth into the gameplay.
Lending its mystical allure to this narrative is “The Black Cauldron”, which adds a mechanical twist with an item of the same name. The Black Cauldron offers a peek into reanimation, allowing characters to be retrieved from the discard pile—a first for Lorcana that rejuvenates deck-building possibilities. Under its spell, The Horned King and Hen Wen weave their own symphonies in this new archetype, ensuring strategic reshuffling of grave strategies.
This cryptic dance with destiny involves a set size that seems comfortably familiar with Lorcana’s typical offerings—a 204-card base, sprinkled with 18 Enchanted, 18 Epic, and 2 Iconic, bringing it to a sum of 242 cards. Now, while the Iconic duo dazzle with Hades, Looking for a Deal, and Ariel, Ethereal Voice, it’s their abilities that spark starlight: Hades presses your opponent to make tough choices while Ariel serenades with reward-laden card draws.
Underlying this new chapter is a storyline steeped in elusive whispers, inviting players to embrace their inner detective with what seems like a simple phrase: “Light Your Path.” Rich artwork and specially crafted mechanics take players on an investigative journey through magical realms, armed with a sharp mind and playful spirit—exactly the potion of intrigue and fun Lorcana stands for.
Judy Hopps, among others, assumes a pivotal role in these whispers-filled adventures. The Well, central to the set’s title, holds secrets that demand discovery and interpretation through refreshed gameplay mechanics, making the hunt itself part of the enjoyment.
And with such enchanting layers to uncover, “Whispers in the Well” promises not just new stories and characters but an immersive experience—one that bridges the gap between mere card play and storytelling magic, ensuring players around the globe are left hanging on the very edge of their seats.
