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Pre-release events for the next MTG set, Lorwyn Eclipsed, are set to begin on Jan. 16. Although the complete spoiler period is scheduled to start on January 5, lead creator Mark Rosewater has again shared a long list of gameplay details before schedule.

An In-depth Dive into the Significant Teasers

Among the many hints, several are particularly notable. Lorwyn Eclipsed will include a "card that searches every turn." This likely indicates a enchantment that allows a you to look through their deck every turn for a certain card, possibly under certain conditions.

This might be something as modest as searching for a basic land each round, or a more powerful like a tutor that grows based on a board state.

Rosewater also mentioned a fresh card that copies triggered abilities. This card is possibly associated with a revealed character, a creature that, for the cost of two ready creatures, can replicate a ability once each round.

Another notable reveal concerns rules text that will "negate every instants and sorceries your opponents control." While its phrasing is slightly unclear, it implies an extremely potent ability capable of addressing numerous castings simultaneously.

Gameplay Focusing On Power and Toughness

The set will also include effects that utilize "the gap in its strength and toughness." With cards with power/toughness splits like 1/3 or 3/1, this mechanic could become highly meaningful.

• Furthermore, a creature will enter the battlefield with six -1/-1 counters on it, highlighting a return of this hallmark debuff mechanic from the first Lorwyn-Shadowmoor era.
• Another teaser mentions the phrase "if this is the third time this ability has resolved this round," suggesting a card that tracks multiple triggers.

Tribal Emphasis and Story Hints

An intriguing story reveal involves a creature with the type line: "Legendary Creature – Elf Faerie Noble." Given the established conflict between Elves and the Faerie race on this plane, this hybrid identity suggests a significant narrative development.

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

Toward the end in the list, Rosewater names "Bark of Doran," probably a reference to the famous Treefolk, suggesting a continued focus on the relationship of attack and toughness.

Other Interesting Details

In addition to these headline teasers, the set will feature:

1. A number of reprinted "kindred" spells that interact with specific tribes.
2. A broad array of counters, such as charge, dream, flying, first strike, indestructible, and lifelink.
3. The return of a ability first introduced earlier in 2025.
4. Multiple creature token generators, including 1/1 blue-black tokens to a 3/4 green Treefolk.

Card Name Teasers and Conclusion

Finally, Rosewater teased several card names, like Mirrorform, Moonshadow, Gilt-Leaf’s Embrace, and Chaos Spewer. These offer early clues into the expansion's story directions and are references to familiar concepts from the plane's history.

All told, Lorwyn Eclipsed isn't just a return to a fan-favorite plane but also a challenge to see if modern Magic: The Gathering is able to embrace the distinctive weirdness that defined the original Lorwyn sets so special.