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Pre-release tournaments for this next MTG expansion, Lorwyn Eclipsed, are set to commence on January 16. While the complete preview period is slated to begin on January 5, lead designer Mark Rosewater has again shared a long list of gameplay hints before schedule.

An In-depth Dive into the Significant Teasers

Among the numerous hints, a few are particularly notable. The set will feature a "permanent that tutors each round." This effect likely refers to a enchantment that enables a you to search their library each turn for a certain card, potentially with specific conditions.

It could be something as simple as searching for a land card each round, or something more powerful such as a tutor that grows depending on a board state.

Rosewater also mentioned a new card that duplicates abilities that trigger. This card is possibly linked to a revealed character, a planeswalker that, for the cost of two ready creatures, can copy a triggered ability once per turn.

Another standout teaser concerns rules text that will "counter all spells your opponents control." Although the wording is somewhat unclear, it implies an incredibly potent effect capable of handling multiple castings at once.

Mechanics Centered Around Power and Toughness

The set will also feature effects that reference "the difference in its power and toughness." For cards with power/toughness splits like 1/3 or 3/1, this mechanic could prove highly meaningful.

• Additionally, a card will come into the play with six -1/-1 counters on it, highlighting a comeback of this signature counter mechanic from the original Lorwyn-Shadowmoor era.
• Another hint mentions the wording "if this is the third time this ability has triggered this round," pointing to a design that tracks multiple activations.

Creature Type Focus and Lore Implications

An intriguing lore reveal involves a legendary card with the creature types: "Legendary Creature – Elf Faerie Noble." Considering the historic conflict among the Elf race and Faeries on this plane, this combined identity hints at a significant narrative event.

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

Late in the rundown, Rosewater mentions "Bark of Doran," likely a reference to the famous Treefolk, hinting at a renewed emphasis on the relationship of attack and toughness.

Additional Notable Details

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

1. A number of reprinted "kindred" cards that support particular tribes.
2. A broad variety of keyword counters, such as charge, dream, flying, first strike, indestructible, and lifelink.
3. The return of a ability originally introduced earlier in 2025.
4. Various token generators, ranging from 1/1 blue-black tokens to a 3/4 Treefolk Treefolk.

Card Name Title Hints and Conclusion

Lastly, Rosewater hinted at a few card names, like Mirrorform, Moonshadow, Gilt-Leaf’s Embrace, and Chaos Spewer. These provide early glimpses into the expansion's story themes and are references to established concepts from the world's history.

In summary, this new set is not only a homecoming to a beloved plane but also a test to see if contemporary Magic: The Gathering can embrace the unique complexities that defined the first Lorwyn block so memorable.