In the ever-expanding cosmos of collectible card games, few titles manage to weave a yarn as engrossing and enchanting as Disney and Ravensburger’s Lorcana. With its tenth installment approaching at the speed of curiosity-fueled stardust, this new set, whimsically dubbed “Whispers in the Well,” promises to be nothing short of a mesmerizing enigma. Bathed in riddles and wrapped in mystique, the set beckons players into an enchanting realm reminiscent of sleuthing escapades, where the thrill of the chase meets the satisfaction of deciphering cryptic whispers.
Scheduled for a staged release, “Whispers in the Well” first trickles into Local Game Stores (LGS) on November 7. This strategy grants passionate players a sneak peek, akin to exclusive backstage access at a much-anticipated concert, complete with early bird events and gilded promotional opportunities. It’s like stepping into a dimly lit speakeasy where secrets flow like well-aged whiskey. A week later, on November 14, the floodgates swing wide for big retailers and major online shops, ushering a tidal wave of lore and legend to eager players across the globe. Until then, the LGS-first excitement brews an atmosphere akin to a mystery novel’s first smoky chapter.
Central to this otherworldly tale is the introduction of a new card type, whimsically termed the “Whisper.” Part heartfelt enigma, part budding Glimmer, these cards are more than just parchment and ink—they’re pieces of a puzzle yearning for completion. Picture them as tattered book pages, their worn edges telling stories of time’s embrace, inviting players to stitch these fragments into the tapestry of complete characters. Four have made their grand debut: Ursula, Whisper of Vanessa; Megara, Secret Keeper; Gaston, Frightful Bully; and Simba, King in the Making. Each whispers promises of the unpredictable.
A curious new ability, dubbed “Boost,” dances its way into the mix, alluring players to play with fate and fortune. Similar to a well-timed sleight of hand, it nudges players to glide a card underneath these elusive Whispers. Unlike the traditional ink-slinging method, it hinges on a gambit of foresight and daring. A devilish delight for the keen-eyed strategist willing to gamble current gains for future glory, Boost adds layers of complexity and intrigue. One moment, you’re the master of your deck’s destiny; the next, you’re teetering on the precipice of perilous loss.
Adding another flavorsome layer to this elaborate concoction are the new franchises stepping beneath the spotlight’s warm glow. Gargoyles terrorizes the scene with formidable characters like Demona, Scourge of the Wyvern Clan. A six-ink powerhouse, Demona artfully disrupts the balance by exerting every opposing character upon her entrance. Alongside this menacing maiden, we catch glimpses of her compatriots: Coldstone, Reanimated Cyborg; Bronx, Ferocious Beast; and the towering Goliath in various leadership roles. Each card is a testament to calculated strength and strategic subversion—a dance executed upon the intricate floorboards of battle.
Equally enthralling is the arrival of The Black Cauldron franchise, whose mechanical sorcery reshapes the landscape of deck-building as deftly as a master sculptor with willing clay. The pivotal item, aptly named “The Black Cauldron,” beckons players into the alchemy of reanimation, offering a once-dismissed character from the discard pile a chance at rebirth beneath the cauldron’s shadowy embrace. This mechanic births an invigorating new archetype, breathing life into discarded dreams and long-forgotten allies. Within its enchanted list are echoes of ancient legends like The Horned King and the prophetic pig, Hen Wen.
This set, a comfortably familiar expanse of 204 base cards plus a tantalizing selection of 18 Enchanted, 18 Epic, and 2 Iconic, promises a grand total of 242 interwoven tales. Most have surfaced through whispered reveals, with the Iconic duo—Hades, Looking for a Deal, and Ariel, Ethereal Voice—standing as bastions of character and cunning. Hades, with his devilish deal-making, compels opponents into strategic concessions, while Ariel sways players into the rhythm of song-based card draws, a siren’s call to all who favor harmony and finesse.
Beneath all the glamor and glitter, the set tells a story, its narrative constructed on the foundation of investigation and enlightening discovery. Its rallying cry, “Light Your Path,” is less a directive and more an invitation—a siren song to sharpen one’s gaze and take up the challenge of playful exploration. Artwork within the set adds flavor and flair, showcasing moments imbued with detective charm. Judy Hopps emerges as a pivotal player in this cerebral symphony, a metaphorical lantern guiding players through a labyrinth of lore. As the echoes of Whispers in the Well beckon, it’s clear that discovery isn’t just an opportunity—it’s a path well worth illuminating.
