Amidst swirling speculation and the palpable excitement of collectors and competitors alike, the much-anticipated tenth set of Disney’s Lorcana, titled “Whispers in the Well,” is nearly upon us. What’s particularly captivating about this release is the air of mystery—both in its storyline and the unveiling of its contents—as insiders and enthusiasts try to piece together what’s essentially an elaborate jigsaw puzzle filled with secrets waiting to be unlocked.
“Whispers in the Well” arrives marked as the second set in the current rotation, cleverly setting a thematic tone of sleuthing and puzzle-solving that seems to be deeply interwoven into the very fabric of the game. With Disney and Ravensburger maintaining a shroud of secrecy, it is only through strategic previews and occasional leaks that a clearer picture of the set’s direction starts to emerge. It’s a set that appears to be tapping into every gamer’s intrinsic infatuation with mysteries and the joy of discovery.
In a strategic release schedule, local gaming stores will take the helm and receive the new products first on November 7, allowing for a week of initial camaraderie among the LGS patrons. These early-access events promise to be rich in promo opportunities that will not only enhance the gaming locale’s portfolio but also sustain their integral part in the gaming community. Following this, bigger retail chains and online giants will have access on November 14, ushering in a broader availability that subsequently taps into nationwide fanfare.
The set introduces a novel and intriguing card type—the Whisper. These cards are essentially fragmented pieces of Glimmers; parts of a greater puzzle yearning to be completed. Wrapped in parchment-like textures with aged, tattered edges, they convey an aura of ancient knowledge freshly unearthed. So far, a handful of these enigmatic cards have been spotted: Ursula, Whisper of Vanessa; Gaston, Frightful Bully; Megara, Secret Keeper; and Simba, King in the Making. Each Whisper card is drenched in lore, innovative in mechanics, with a unique ability known as Boost. This latent capability simulates the dynamics of the Shift mechanic but with an added cerebral element. Instead of the traditional method of expending Ink, you cleverly “slide” a card beneath the Whisper. This transfers reliance on top deck finesse. Peeking at upcoming cards allows for strategic management—stashing low-impact cards to fuel your gameplay while identifying high-stakes scenarios where chance stirs the cauldron.
The excitement does not end there. Lorcana expands its repertoire of franchises, and stepping into today’s spotlight are the Gargoyles. Bringing gravitas, Demona, Scourge of the Wyvern Clan, leads the charge—a powerhouse with six Ink, boasting five Strength and six Willpower, invoking an exertion force across opposing ranks upon deployment. From Demona, Betrayer of the Clan, to Goliath, Clan Leader, and beyond, the Gargoyles’ influence swells the roster with crowd favorites and newcomers alike.
Adding fresh layers to its strategic depth, The Black Cauldron enters with its mesmerizing twist on deck construction. As an item, The Black Cauldron is cast for three Ink, with functionality that whisks a character away from the discard, only to tuck them neatly under its enigmatic surface, awaiting a triumphant reentry. This reanimation technique whispers potential in every competitive deck designer’s ear, foreshadowing a new soar in Lorcana’s play strategies. From The Horned King’s relentless manifestations to the charming Hen Wen and her prophetic visions, these cards don’t just add to a collection—they redefine it.
Collectively, expect a familiar yet comprehensive 204-card base, augmented by 18 Enchanted, 18 Epic, and a duo of Iconic cards, summing to 242. Nearly 190 cards have escaped into the wild through whispers and sneak peeks, feeding the beast of anticipation. The Iconic offerings, Hades, Looking for a Deal, and Ariel, Ethereal Voice, each carry unique influences over the gameplay. With Hades pressuring opponents into difficult choices and Ariel’s melodic tactics to boost your deck ingenuity, they provide fresh layers for strategic dominance.
There’s a story unfolding within these cards, one that leans deliciously into investigation. “Light Your Path” serves as the set’s resonating mantra, an olive branch to all who dare to delve deeper with hawk-like diligence and flair. The art is luminous, each piece a precursor to a greater narrative mystery, making Judy Hopps come alive as a likely linchpin within this unfolding detective saga. The Well’s secret allure is real, and the puzzle it holds is as much about the mechanics as it is about the magic of unraveling what waits below its whispered surface.
As “Whispers in the Well” makes its mark, players are standing on the precipice of revelation, cards in hand, eager to crack the code and discover the treasures each draw holds. So, embrace the whispers, heed the call, and relish in the journey that each integral mystery promises to unveil.
