A fog of mystery shrouds the annals of Disney Lorcana as it gears up to unveil its tenth set, whimsically titled “Whispers in the Well.” This latest installment is causing a stir in halls echoing with secrets and sleuthing, nudging our inner detectives with its enigmatic aura. Scheduled to hit the shelves of local game stores on Friday, November 7th, the set’s staggered debut ensures that anticipation builds to a crescendo before major retailers follow suit on November 14th. With the buzz intensifying, it’s time to dive into the lore-filled seas of this new expansion.
Murmurs from the Lorcana fandom suggest that this set is heavily influenced by the concept of piecing together puzzles and crafting decks that outsmart opponents. While Disney and Ravensburger have kept much of the set’s content under wraps, early previews and inevitable leaks have illuminated a tantalizing tapestry of features and characters drawing fans into an elaborate web of intrigue.
Whispers are the heart of this collection—quite literally. These new card types, dubbed “Whispers,” function as fragmented reflections of Glimmers, offering a tantalizing theme that encourages players to compile these snippets into a complete character. The physical representation is breathtaking; each card styled like a torn lorebook page with parchment textures and worn edges that invoke a tactile sense of adventure. Thus far, select whispers such as Ursula, Whisper of Vanessa, Gaston, Frightful Bully, Megara, Secret Keeper, and Simba, King in the Making have emerged, each teasing their impact on the gameplay.
In true Lorcana mystique, these Whispers introduce a novel ability named Boost that bears a resemblance to the existing Shift mechanic. Unlike traditional Ink currency, employing the Whisper involves sliding a card beneath it as a makeshift resource, adding an element of foresight. If you have insight into upcoming cards, you might wisely tuck away a lesser draw, but beware—the path unbeknownst can lead to critical losses if one takes a misstep in the dark.
In a salute to nostalgia, the new set also brings a sprinkling of fresh franchises into Lorcana’s universe. The beloved Gargoyles take flight with a roster that includes towering figures of yore. Demona, Scourge of the Wyvern Clan, leads the charge as a formidable six Ink character, equipped with enough strength and cunning to exert every opposing character as she enters play. We’ve glimpsed her comrades, including Demona, Betrayer of the Clan, Coldstone, Reanimated Cyborg, and many more.
One cannot overlook The Black Cauldron’s mechanical twist that takes deck-building into a realm previously untraveled by Lorcana. Enter the eponymous The Black Cauldron, an item card costing three Ink with the cunning ability to lift a character from the discard pile into its swirling depths. You can then summon them into play, thus breathing new life into a reanimation archetype that will surely tantalize strategic minds. Among the other cards entwined with this macabre intrigue are The Horned King in various guises, Hen Wen, the Prophetic Pig, and the sinister Cauldron Born.
The set retains familiar dimensions, adding to the world of Lorcana with its 204 card base, expanded by 18 Enchanted, 18 Epic, and two Iconic cards, reaching a sum of 242 goodies. With approximately 190 cards already unveiled, anticipation dances around the Iconic duo of Hades, Looking for a Deal, and Ariel, Ethereal Voice. Each offers its unique strategic flavor, Hades wrestling power away from opponents, while Ariel enchants players with card draws tuned to song play when bolstered by cards beneath hers.
Steeped in mystery and adventure, “Whispers in the Well” beckons with the tagline “Light Your Path.” It’s an invitation for players to sharpen their detective instincts and engage with the set’s investigative subtext, echoing through card mechanics that demand astute observation and a playful mindset. Judy Hopps emerges as a probable key player in this unfolding drama.
The Well seems to be the stage for unseen shenanigans, and the game’s mechanics, like a labyrinth, not only guide but delight in the chase. So gather your courage, channel your inner sleuth, and prepare to brave the depths of mystery that await within Disney Lorcana’s latest magical discovery.
