"Magic: The Gathering" boasts rich storylines and a plethora of distinct characters with stylish attire that make the game a ripe target for cosplay. We caught up with Laura Diemer to discuss her recent Liliana of the Veil cosplay photographed by Burn The Edges Photography (@burntheedges on Twitter). Check out several of the images from Diemer's Liliana cosplay in the attached slideshow.
"Please tell us the story behind your "Magic: The Gathering" cosplay. What made you choose this particular Planeswalker and how long did it take you to create the costume?"
"It started when "Innistrad" first came out. I'd loved Liliana for a while (see the next answer), and I instantly loved her new design and the direction of her storyline with it. I became serious about recreating it this January, and steadily plugged along for eight solid months. I've never cosplayed before at all, so this was my first attempt- and there are many failed craft foam head pieces and glue gun burns to prove it! Still, I was adamant about paying tribute to my favorite "Magic" character and cosplaying her, and my perseverance eventually paid off."
"When did you start playing "Magic?" How did you get introduced to the game?"
"The first time I played was in 2002, my sister and I were into "Yu-Gi-Oh," and "Magic" was introduced to us at the shop we frequented. For some reason, though, it didn't really catch on to the other players there. My sister and I built a blue deck together, but after seeing fellow interest wane, we gave up on it. When I met my boyfriend in 2010, he mentioned that he played "Magic" and I asked if he'd play with me. That was when I built my first deck and first became introduced to Liliana, and I fell head over heels in love with her. I'm creepy, so I'm into the necromancer chic."
"How often do you play? Are you a casual or competitive player?"
"As often as I can! I'll play in any event I go to, with friends, and at home. I'm more competitive if I'm playing with people I don't know, but among friends, I like to play just for fun."
"What's your favorite "Magic" card that's not Liliana?"
"Ob Nixilis, The Fallen or Rakdos the Defiler."
"What's your favorite set?"
"Again, because I am a gigantic creep, "Innistrad." It had everything I love about horror and "Magic" in one box, with Liliana on the cover. It was practically custom-made for me."
"Do you identify with a particular "Magic" player profile?"
"I'm relentlessly a Timmy."
"Have you aligned yourself with one of the ten guilds?"
"Rakdos is my business; what can I say, I love my murder and mayhem."
"Do you prefer playing in limited or constructed?"
"I prefer constructed. I do enjoy drafting on occasion, but I'd rather go constructed more often than not."
"What is your favorite constructed format?"
"Commander, all the way. I love playing with a large group of people because the game can go on for hours and there's so much strategy involved. I really enjoy the political aspect, too; seeing if you can help someone here so they can further your cause down the line. I feel like Commander gives the players the time and number of cards to create some fantastic- and ridiculous!- scenarios."
"When it comes to building your "Magic" decks, what matters the most to you? A theme or being competitive?
"Definitely a theme- again, I'm not often competitive (oh, Timmy)."
"Do you feel gender is an issue when it comes to playing?"
I've never been able to harness my estrogen towards drawing cards or tapping permanents. But then again, I've never seen testosterone used as removal or land destruction. I'm going to have to go with "moot point."
"What would you rather receive as a gift: Mox Pearl or a real pearl necklace?"
"Alpha, beta, or unlimited?"
"Please tell us something about yourself related to "Magic: The Gathering" that nobody else knows."
"I do some pretty good alters. By good, I mean bizarre. Ever see a heavy metal Phelddagrif? Cause one exists right now."
"Aside from "Magic," what game do you enjoy most?"
"I don't play any more card games, though I used to be a champ at "Yu-Gi-Oh" back in the day. Nowadays, I play console. Some recent faves have been "Borderlands 2," "Bioshock," "Army of 2," "Dragon Age," and many others. More traditionally, my favorite game series, ever, is the "Legend of Zelda." I have several tattoos dedicated to the series, including Link from "A Link to the Past.""
"Do you have any current or upcoming projects you'd like to share with readers?"
"Yes! I've decided my next cosplay will be Drana, Kalastria Bloodchief and after that, I'd like to break my typecasting and work on Melira, Sylvok Outcast."
"Where can readers find your other work online?"
"You can follow me on Twitter, where I constantly update with MTG cosplay progress, alters, artwork, and sarcastic nonsense at @TheEvilLaura. You can also find my completed artworks at www.atempestcyclone.tumblr.com."
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