There’s a whisper on the wind and a buzz in the air that can mean only one thing—Lorcana’s tenth release, “Whispers in the Well,” is on the horizon, and it’s cloaked in mystery and intrigue. As Disney and Ravensburger prepare to launch this much-anticipated set, anticipation is running high amidst the gaming community. As usual, secrets are being jealously guarded, but, humankind being what it is, leaks and previews have slipped through the cracks, providing tantalizing glimpses of what’s to come. The upcoming set seems poised to captivate both seasoned veterans and fresh faces in the gaming community by leaning heavily into elements of mystery, accompanied by intriguing new game dynamics.
The release is thoughtfully staged to create maximum suspense. On November 7th, local gaming stores will be the first to unveil the goods, giving these boutique venues a week of exclusive access before the major retailers and online stores jump into the fray on November 14th. This staggered rollout is a boon for small-scale game shops, offering a moment in the spotlight to draw in eager fans with early events and promotional opportunities.
At the heart of “Whispers in the Well” is a captivating new card type aptly named “Whisper.” Each Whisper effectively represents a fragment of a Glimmer, with the overarching theme centering on piecing together these fragments to form complete characters. The artistic style bolsters this theme, with each card appearing as a snippet of parchment torn from a grand, mysterious lorebook. Four Whisper cards have been revealed thus far: Ursula as Whisper of Vanessa, Gaston as Frightful Bully, Megara as Secret Keeper, and Simba as King in the Making.
A novel ability, Boost, is introduced alongside these Whispers. This mechanic seems to parallel the previously introduced Shift ability, encouraging creativity during gameplay. Rather than spending Ink in a conventional manner, players must place a card beneath the Whisper—a kind of card game voodoo that turns the top deck into potential resources. It’s a high-risk, high-reward scenario; predicting upcoming cards can mean the difference between banishing a dud or sacrificing something crucial.
As the set unfolds, new franchises step into the limelight. “Gargoyles,” the beloved 90s animated series, adds flavor to the lineup with formidable characters like Demona, Scourge of the Wyvern Clan. With five Strength and six Willpower, Demona’s presence is sure to make opponents wince as she exerts every opposing character upon entering play. The set hinted at including other formidable fan-favorites like Coldstone and Goliath, who shine in their respective roles within the clan.
Twisting the mechanical dynamics, “The Black Cauldron” franchise introduces revolutionary elements to deck building. The eponymous item, costing three Ink, offers the ability to relocate a character from the discard pile under the cauldron—hinting at necromantic reanimation mechanics that open up entirely new gameplay archetypes. Imagine a narrative where the malevolent Horned King finds new life in the trilogy of forms: Heartless Devil, Wicked Ruler, and Triumphant Ghoul.
The depth of this set is underscored by its substantial size. The collection comprises a base of 204 cards, augmented by 18 Enchanted, 18 Epic, and 2 Iconic cards, rounding out the sum at 242. Nearly 190 cards have been unveiled so far, ensuring that die-hard fans are chomping at the bit to complete their sets. Notably, the Iconic cards—Hades, Looking for a Deal, and Ariel, Ethereal Voice—offer tantalizing game dynamics that engage players and compel innovative deck configurations. Hades applies pressure on opponents, forcing difficult decisions while Ariel adds value to music-themed strategies.
The overarching narrative of “Whispers in the Well” is enriched with a detective-like flavor. The set’s tagline, “Light Your Path,” invites players into an interactive puzzle of clues and misdirections. Artwork and mechanics alike evoke themes of determination and cunning, with iconic sleuth Judy Hopps prominently featuring as a key player in the narrative. The Well itself holds mysteries aplenty, demanding that players draw upon their inner detective to unravel whispers brought forth by intelligent and playful mechanics.
“Whispers in the Well” within Lorcana’s growing legacy is sure to captivate imaginations and spark engaging strategies. As the community gears up for the release, aficionados are primed for an experience that is as enigmatic as it is enchanting.
