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Pre-release tournaments for the upcoming MTG expansion, Lorwyn Eclipsed, are set to start on Jan. 16. Although the complete spoiler period is slated to start on January 5, head designer Maro Rosewater has once again released a long list of mechanical hints before schedule.

A In-depth Dive into the Significant Teasers

Within the many teasers, a few stand out. Lorwyn Eclipsed will feature a "card that tutors each round." This effect likely refers to a creature that enables a player to look through their deck every upkeep for a specific card, possibly with specific restrictions.

This might be an effect as simple as searching for a basic land each round, or something more dynamic like a search effect that grows depending on a creature's power.

Rosewater also mentioned a new piece that duplicates triggered abilities. This card is possibly associated with a revealed character, a planeswalker that, for the cost of two untapped creatures, can copy a ability once each round.

A further notable teaser concerns rules text that will "negate all spells your opponents control." While its phrasing is somewhat unclear, it suggests an incredibly powerful ability capable of addressing multiple castings at once.

Gameplay Centered Around Power and Toughness

The set will also feature effects that utilize "the gap in its strength and toughness." With cards with stat lines like 1/3 or 3/1, this concept could prove highly relevant.

• Additionally, a creature is set to come into the play with six -1/-1 counters on it, highlighting a comeback of this hallmark debuff type from the original Lorwyn-Shadowmoor block.
• One more teaser includes the wording "if this is the third time this effect has resolved this turn," suggesting a card that tracks repeated activations.

Creature Type Focus and Lore Implications

A significant lore reveal is a legendary card with the type line: "Legendary Creature – Elf Faerie Noble." Given the established conflict among the Elf race and Faeries on this world, this hybrid type suggests a significant story event.

The lead designer also stated the core eight creature types featured in the set: Elemental, Elf, Faerie, Giant, Goblin, Kithkin, Merfolk, and Treefolk. This confirms a strong tribal focus for Lorwyn Eclipsed.

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

Other Notable Details

Beyond these major mechanics, the expansion will include:

1. A number of reprinted "kindred" spells that support specific tribes.
2. A broad array of keyword counters, such as charge, dream, flying, first strike, indestructible, and lifelink.
3. The return of a ability originally introduced in 2025.
4. Multiple token generators, ranging from 1/1 Faerie Faeries to a 3/4 green Treefolk.

Card Title Hints and Conclusion

Finally, Rosewater teased several titles, like Mirrorform, Moonshadow, Gilt-Leaf’s Embrace, and Chaos Spewer. These names offer preliminary clues into the set's story directions and serve as nods to familiar concepts from the plane's history.

All told, Lorwyn Eclipsed is not only a homecoming to a fan-favorite setting but also a challenge to see if modern Magic: The Gathering can handle the unique weirdness that made the first Lorwyn sets so memorable.