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Pre-release tournaments for the next MTG set, Lorwyn Eclipsed, will start on January 16. While the full spoiler period is slated to start on January 5, head designer Mark Rosewater has once again disclosed a lengthy list of gameplay hints before time.

A Deep Dive into the Key Reveals

Among the many teasers, a few are particularly notable. The set will feature a "permanent that searches every round." This probably refers to a creature that enables a you to search their library each upkeep for a certain card, possibly under specific restrictions.

It could be something as modest as finding a basic land each round, or a more dynamic such as a search effect that scales depending on a board state.

He also teased a fresh piece that duplicates abilities that trigger. This card could be linked to Kirol, Attentive First-Year, a planeswalker that, for the cost of two ready creatures, can replicate a triggered ability one time each round.

A further standout teaser involves rules text that will "negate every spells your opponents control." While the wording is slightly unclear, it suggests an extremely potent ability capable of handling numerous spells simultaneously.

Gameplay Focusing On Power and Toughness

This expansion will also include cards that reference "the difference in its strength and defense." With creatures with power/toughness splits like 1/3 or 3/1, this mechanic could become highly relevant.

• Furthermore, a card is set to come into the play with six -1/-1 counters on it, highlighting a comeback of this signature counter type from the original Lorwyn-Shadowmoor block.
• One more hint includes the phrase "if this is the third time this ability has triggered this round," pointing to a card that rewards multiple triggers.

Creature Type Emphasis and Story Implications

An intriguing story teaser involves a legendary card with the creature types: "Legendary Creature – Elf Faerie Noble." Given the established tension among Elves and the Faerie race on this plane, this combined type suggests a significant narrative event.

Rosewater also stated the primary eight tribes featured in the set: Elemental, Elf, Faerie, Giant, Goblin, Kithkin, Merfolk, and Treefolk. This reiterates a strong tribal theme for Lorwyn Eclipsed.

Toward the end in the list, he names "Bark of Doran," probably a nod to Doran, the Siege Tower, suggesting a continued emphasis on the interplay of power and defense.

Additional Notable Details

In addition to these major mechanics, the expansion will feature:

1. Several reprinted "kindred" cards that interact with particular creature types.
2. A wide variety of keyword counters, such as charge, dream, flying, first strike, indestructible, and lifelink.
3. The return of a keyword first debuted earlier in 2025.
4. Various creature token generators, including 1/1 Faerie Faeries to a 3/4 green token.

Card Name Hints and Conclusion

Finally, the designer hinted at a few titles, like Mirrorform, Moonshadow, Gilt-Leaf’s Embrace, and Chaos Spewer. These names offer early glimpses into the expansion's story themes and serve as references to familiar elements from the plane's history.

All told, this new set isn't just a homecoming to a fan-favorite plane but also a challenge to see if contemporary Magic: The Gathering is able to handle the unique weirdness that made the first Lorwyn sets so special.