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Pre-release events for the next MTG set, Lorwyn Eclipsed, are set to start on Jan. 16. While the complete spoiler period is slated to begin on Jan. 5, lead creator Mark Rosewater has once again disclosed a long list of gameplay hints ahead of schedule.

A In-depth Look into the Key Reveals

Within the many hints, a few stand out. Lorwyn Eclipsed will include a "card that searches every round." This probably indicates a creature that allows a you to search their deck each upkeep for a certain card, possibly with certain restrictions.

It could be something as modest as finding a basic land each round, or a more powerful like a tutor that grows based on a board state.

He also mentioned a new piece that duplicates abilities that trigger. This card could be associated with Kirol, Attentive First-Year, a creature that, by tapping a pair of untapped creatures, can copy a triggered ability once per turn.

Another standout teaser concerns rules text that will "counter every spells your opponents have on the stack." Although its phrasing is somewhat ambiguous, it implies an incredibly powerful ability capable of handling multiple castings at once.

Mechanics Centered Around Stats

This expansion will further feature effects that reference "the difference in its strength and toughness." With creatures with power/toughness splits like 1/3 or 3/1, this concept could prove highly meaningful.

• Furthermore, a creature is set to come into the battlefield with six -1/-1 counters on it, highlighting a return of this signature debuff mechanic from the original Lorwyn era.
• One more hint includes the phrase "if this is the third time this ability has resolved this turn," pointing to a design that tracks repeated triggers.

Creature Type Emphasis and Story Hints

An intriguing story teaser is a creature with the type line: "Legendary Creature – Elf Faerie Noble." Considering the historic tension between Elves and Faeries on this world, this combined identity suggests a significant narrative event.

Rosewater also confirmed the primary 8 creature types featured in the set: Elemental, Elf, Faerie, Giant, Goblin, Kithkin, Merfolk, and Treefolk. This confirms a strong tribal focus for Lorwyn Eclipsed.

Late in the rundown, Rosewater mentions "Bark of Doran," probably a nod to the famous Treefolk, hinting at a renewed focus on the interplay between power and defense.

Additional Notable Points

Beyond these major mechanics, the expansion will include:

1. A number of reprinted "kindred" spells that support specific creature types.
2. A broad array of keyword counters, including charge, dream, flying, first strike, indestructible, and lifelink.
3. The reappearance of a keyword originally debuted earlier in 2025.
4. Multiple token generators, ranging from 1/1 Faerie Faeries to a 3/4 Treefolk token.

Card Name Teasers and Conclusion

Finally, Rosewater hinted at several card names, including Mirrorform, Moonshadow, Gilt-Leaf’s Embrace, and Chaos Spewer. These names offer preliminary glimpses into the set's narrative directions and are references to familiar elements from the plane's past.

In summary, this new set isn't just a homecoming to a beloved plane but also a challenge to determine whether modern Magic is able to handle the unique weirdness that made the original Lorwyn block so memorable.