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Pre-release tournaments for the next Magic: The Gathering set, Lorwyn Eclipsed, are set to begin on Jan. 16. Although the complete spoiler period is slated to start on Jan. 5, lead designer Maro Rosewater has again released a lengthy list of mechanical hints before time.

An Deep Dive into the Key Teasers

Within the numerous hints, several stand out. The set will feature a "permanent that searches each turn." This effect probably refers to a enchantment that allows a you to search their library every turn for a specific type, potentially with certain restrictions.

This might be something as simple as finding a basic land each round, or a more powerful like a search effect that scales based on a board state.

Rosewater also mentioned a fresh piece that copies abilities that trigger. This is possibly linked to a revealed character, a creature that, for the cost of two untapped creatures, can replicate a triggered ability one time per turn.

A further notable teaser concerns an ability that will "counter all instants and sorceries your opponents have on the stack." Although its phrasing is somewhat ambiguous, it implies an extremely powerful ability capable of handling multiple spells simultaneously.

Gameplay Focusing On Power and Toughness

The set will further feature effects that utilize "the gap between its power and defense." With cards with power/toughness splits like 1/3 or 3/1, this mechanic could prove very meaningful.

• Additionally, a creature will come into the play with six -1/-1 counters on it, signaling a comeback of this hallmark counter mechanic from the original Lorwyn era.
• Another hint mentions the phrase "if this is the third time this effect has resolved this turn," pointing to a card that tracks multiple activations.

Creature Type Focus and Story Hints

An intriguing story reveal is a creature with the type line: "Legendary Creature – Elf Faerie Noble." Considering the established tension between the Elf race and Faeries on this plane, this combined type hints at a major story event.

Rosewater also confirmed the core eight tribes featured in the set: Elemental, Elf, Faerie, Giant, Goblin, Kithkin, Merfolk, and Treefolk. This reiterates a heavy tribal theme for the set.

Toward the end in the rundown, he mentions "Bark of Doran," likely a reference to Doran, the Siege Tower, suggesting a continued emphasis on the relationship of attack and defense.

Other Notable Points

Beyond these major mechanics, the expansion will feature:

1. Several reprinted "kindred" spells that interact with specific tribes.
2. A broad variety of counters, including charge, dream, flying, first strike, indestructible, and lifelink.
3. The return of a ability originally debuted in 2025.
4. Various token generators, ranging from 1/1 blue-black Faeries to a 3/4 green Treefolk.

Card Title Hints and Conclusion

Finally, the designer teased several card names, like Mirrorform, Moonshadow, Gilt-Leaf’s Embrace, and Chaos Spewer. These names offer early glimpses into the set's story directions and are references to established elements from the plane's past.

In summary, Lorwyn Eclipsed isn't just a homecoming to a fan-favorite setting but also a test to determine whether modern Magic is able to embrace the unique weirdness that defined the original Lorwyn sets so memorable.