Magic: The Gathering's new Lorwyn Eclipsed set is here, and it's brimming with creatures that are both weird and wonderful! But beyond the chase for the most expensive cards, lies a deeper satisfaction: crafting a deck around a specific creature type. If you're looking to build a tribal deck, or simply want to explore the diverse inhabitants of Lorwyn Eclipsed, you've landed in the right place.
Below, we'll delve into some standout cards from the set, showcasing everything from mischievous Goblins to towering Giants, wise Treefolk, and the ever-mysterious Elementals. Are you already brewing up a deck centered around any of these fascinating creatures? Let us know in the comments – we're eager to hear about your strategies!
Lorwyn Eclipsed Bestiary: A Guide to Creature Types
Kithkin
(Lorwyn Eclipsed (ECL))
Champion of the Clachan
Wizards of the Coast went to great lengths to ensure Lorwyn Eclipsed maintained the spirit of the original Lorwyn creature types. As they detailed in a comprehensive blog post, the goal was to create a Limited environment where creatures synergize effectively, encouraging strategic gameplay centered around tribal themes. This is why you'll notice a lot of cards that buff each other, directly supporting a specific creature type.
Kithkin, often found in green-white color combinations, thrive on a 'go wide' strategy – swarming the battlefield with numerous creatures. While they might appear undeniably cute at first glance, don't underestimate their power! Champion of the Clachan, for example, is a testament to their surprisingly fierce nature. This 4/5 creature with Flash not only enters the battlefield unexpectedly but also grants a +1/+1 boost to all your other Kithkin. Imagine the surprise on your opponent's face when your seemingly harmless Kithkin suddenly become a formidable force!
Merfolk
(Lorwyn Eclipsed (ECL))
Sygg, Wanderbrine Shield/Sygg, Wanderwine Wisdom
Merfolk excel in white-blue decks, embodying blue's penchant for trickery and white's ability to enhance creatures with counters. They are masters of control, weaving a tangled web of buffs and abilities to outmaneuver their opponents.
Our favorite Merfolk card is Sygg, Wanderbrine Shield. This seemingly unassuming 2/2 creature is unblockable, making him a constant threat. But here's where it gets interesting... Sygg can transform into Sygg, Wanderwine Wisdom! This transformation not only protects one of your cards but also turns damage into card advantage. Every time Sygg takes a hit, you draw a card! It's a brilliant way to turn defense into offense, and a prime example of the Merfolk's cunning.
Elves
(Lorwyn Eclipsed (ECL))
Selfless Safewright
As is tradition, Elves primarily reside in green, but don't dismiss their presence in black! Black Elves often bring graveyard recursion and milling strategies to the table, adding a darker edge to this otherwise nature-loving tribe. Cards like Dawnhand Eulogist and Gloom Ripper exemplify this duality.
We're particularly fond of Selfless Safewright. This five-mana 4/2 Elf Warrior creature boasts both Flash and Convoke, making it a versatile addition to any Elf deck. But the real magic happens when it enters the battlefield: it grants creatures of a chosen type hexproof and indestructible until the end of the turn! It's an incredible defensive ability that can completely shut down your opponent's plans. Imagine using it in response to a board wipe – suddenly, your entire Elf army becomes untouchable!
Goblins
(Lorwyn Eclipsed (ECL))
Hexing Squelcher
Goblins and red go together like peanut butter and jelly! And Hexing Squelcher is a prime example of why. This uncounterable 2/2 creature for two mana comes with Ward (2 life), making it resilient to removal. But the real kicker? It also prevents your other spells from being countered and gives them Ward (2 life)! It's a powerful tool for ensuring your spells resolve and overwhelming your opponent with Goblin hordes.
Elsewhere, Auntie Ool is already gaining popularity, especially since her appearance in the Blight Curse precon deck. Is she a sneaky good commander, or just overhyped? What do you think?
Elementals
(Lorwyn Eclipsed (ECL))
Moonshadow
Elementals, in their chaotic glory, encompass all five colors of Magic. Just like their precon deck, they offer a diverse range of playstyles and abilities. You'll find powerful cards like Avenger of Zendikar and Muldrotha, the Gravetide among their ranks, showcasing the sheer potential of this versatile creature type.
Our pick for Elementals is Moonshadow. This 7/7 behemoth only costs one mana, but it comes with a catch: it enters with -1/-1 counters. So how do you unlock its full potential? By filling your graveyard and removing those pesky counters! It's a strategic balancing act that rewards clever deckbuilding and graveyard manipulation. And this is the part most people miss... Is it a risky gamble, or a brilliant payoff? It's a card that demands careful planning and execution.
Faeries
(Lorwyn Eclipsed (ECL))
Bitterbloom Bearer
As mischievous as they were in Wilds of Eldraine, Faeries primarily reside in blue and black, weaving illusions and controlling the flow of the game with their cunning and trickery.
For our favorite Faerie, we've chosen Bitterbloom Bearer. This low-cost flying card with flash allows you to convert your life total into small Faerie creature tokens. It's a risky proposition, trading your precious life for board presence, but in the right deck, it can be a game-winning strategy. But here's where it gets controversial... Is it a worthwhile sacrifice, or a reckless gamble? It's a question that sparks debate among Faerie enthusiasts.
Giants
(Lorwyn Eclipsed (ECL))
Burdened Stoneback
While the Giant category may not be as expansive as others in Lorwyn Eclipsed, it still boasts formidable cards, including reprints like Grave Titan.
Burdened Stoneback, similar to Moonshadow, enters the battlefield with counters. However, these counters can be removed using a mana ability, granting other creatures indestructible. It's a support card that can turn the tide of battle by protecting your key threats. But is it too slow and clunky for today's meta? Let us know what YOU think.
Treefolk
(Lorwyn Eclipsed (ECL))
Ferrafor, Young Yew
Again, the Treefolk ranks might not be overflowing, but there are still some excellent choices to be found, such as Blighted Blackthorn and Sinister Gnarlbark.
But it's Ferrafor, Young Yew who claims our top spot for Treefolk. This 4/7 Treefolk Druid doubles counters with its tapped ability and creates a swarm of Saproling creature tokens upon entering the battlefield. It's a powerhouse of value and a perfect centerpiece for any Treefolk deck. It synergizes so well with other cards in the set. But is it too good? Will it become a staple in Commander decks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
So, which of these creatures has captured your imagination? Are you planning to build a tribal deck around Kithkin, Merfolk, Elves, Goblins, Elementals, Faeries, Giants, or Treefolk? Maybe something else from Lorwyn Eclipsed? Share your deck ideas and strategies in the comments below! We're eager to see what you come up with, and maybe even spark a few friendly disagreements along the way. After all, the best part about Magic: The Gathering is the endless possibilities for creativity and competition! What creature type do you think is the most underrated in Lorwyn Eclipsed, and why? Let's discuss!
