The world of Lorcana is abuzz with secrets as the enchanting game embarks on its tenth odyssey, a tantalizing set titled Whispers in the Well. This sequel to the current rotation is cloaked in mystery, with a heavy dose of sleuthing that would make Sherlock Holmes tip his deerstalker. Disney and Ravensburger are playing their cards close to their chests, teasing players with glimpses and hints about what’s to come.
Like all good mysteries, the rollout is staggered to build anticipation. Local game stores (LGS) are the first to crack the case on November 7, offering early events and promotional opportunities to those in the know. The usual suspects—big retailers and major online shops—join the fray a week later on November 14. This clever release strategy ensures a window of LGS-first excitement, a time when the community gathers eagerly to examine the clues.
At the heart of the mystery lies a new card type—the Whisper. Like whispers in the corridors of Hogwarts, these are partial Glimmers that players must piece together. Imagine parchment textures with frayed edges, torn from a forbidden lorebook, where assembling fragments reveals a complete character. So far, sleuths have uncovered four characters: Ursula, Whisper of Vanessa; Gaston, Frightful Bully; Megara, Secret Keeper; and Simba, King in the Making. As excitement peaks, a new ability named Boost enters the scene, likely stirring strategies similar to the beloved Shift. The Whisper cards require players to tuck cards beneath them instead of the conventional Ink payment, transforming top deck knowledge into strategy. However, play without foreknowledge comes with risks—you might stash away something you desperately need.
Fresh faces from iconic universes are making their debut. The beloved Gargoyles swoop into action with Demona, Scourge of the Wyvern Clan—a solid six Ink figure bolstered with five Strength and six Willpower. She brings with her a throng of fellow clan members: Demona, Betrayer of the Clan; Coldstone, Reanimated Cyborg; Bronx, Ferocious Beast; Goliath, Guardian of Castle Wyvern; Brooklyn, Second in Command; and Goliath, Clan Leader—characters poised to defend and attack in unity.
Enter The Black Cauldron, a franchise sporting a magical innovation set to revolutionize deck building. With the Item card, The Black Cauldron, players can move discarded characters beneath the cauldron before playing them, introducing an intriguing reanimation or resurrection dynamic. The plot thickens with cards like The Horned King (in various fiendish forms), Hen Wen, Prophetic Pig, and Hen Wen’s Visions—a trove of tantalizing tactics for the astute player.
The set, reminiscent in size to its predecessors, comprises 204 base cards, augmented by 18 Enchanted and Epic cards each, alongside 2 Iconic cards. That makes a grand total of 242 cards. Of these, 190 have already stepped into the spotlight, piquing curiosity across the community. In the iconic category, Hades, Looking for a Deal, and Ariel, Ethereal Voice stand out. Hades tempts opponents to make difficult decisions regarding their characters or face the consequences of enriching your card collection. Meanwhile, Ariel rewards players peppering the board with melodies by granting extra card draws.
Intrigue threads through the narrative arc of Whispers in the Well. Every path and clue is woven around a central theme: Light Your Path. This rallying cry invites players to follow their investigative instincts, honing their sharp eyes and playful strategies to turn whispers into revelations. Detective-like whimsy runs thick through the artwork, with Judy Hopps seemingly taking a starring role. It’s all about discovery—the Well conceals secrets, and uncovering them promises delight and satisfaction as players engage with the set’s mechanics in their hunt.
As these whispers become louder, anticipation crescendos toward the November release with the fervor of a movie premiere. The excitement and speculation, stoked by the piecemeal release of information, make Lorecana’s Whispers in the Well not just a game expansion but a narrative experience, a puzzle that invites its players to become part of the story as they bridge the gaps, concluding another delightful chapter in this ever-evolving saga. Whether you find yourself at an LGS or awaiting that online order with bated breath, there’s no arguing the fact that Disney and Ravensburger have found yet another captivating way to enchant their audience. It’s time to don your detective’s hat, embrace the mystery, and prepare to illuminate the secrets awaiting in Whispers in the Well.