If you hail from Australia and have been participating in this season’s various conventions, there’s good chance you’ve seen a unique twist on Elder Scrolls cosplay.
Sure, you may not be surprised to see someone dressed up as Aela the Huntress, this particular cosplay stands out because it’s based on her card in The Elder Scrolls: Legends – literally!
That’s exactly what Melbourne resident Astrokerrie did. Since beginning cosplay back in 2007, her efforts have garnered attention throughout Australia and worldwide. Among her accolades include winning the Perth round of the 2016 Comic-con Championships of Cosplay and the 2015 Riot Australian League of Legends cosplay competition.
We recently caught up with Astrokerrie to learn more about her cosplay efforts.
How did you get started in cosplay?
My cousin Ebony first introduced me. Growing up in the Western Australian town of Kalgoorlie we didn’t know anyone else who liked games and anime, so it wasn’t until Ebony came across online coverage of an anime convention in Perth that we discovered cosplay.
We were so excited that we ordered costumes online straight away and planned our very first convention. It was so overwhelming when we arrived. So many people who loved the same things as us, so many new friends! We fell in love with cosplay and the community and have never looked back.
What made you choose Aela vs other cards from Legends?
I’ve always had a soft spot for the companions and I love everything about her design. I love her war paint plus the combination of fabric and armor. And who could look past her awesome werewolf abilities?
So, seeing her in TES: Legends made it an easy choice!
What was the most challenging part of creating Aela?
She has a strange dress/skirt design and it took me a bit longer than usual to pattern it out. It started as a leotard and skirt combo, and then I decided to just attach them together in a dress.
I also needed to work out how to attach the chainmail to the dress without it ripping. I ended up sewing a pleather belt along the sides of the skirt part to support it. The bracers also have no obvious seam that opens up so I can put my arm in. That part is hidden under the “metal bar”.
What has been your greatest moment as a cosplayer?
Lately I’ve been privileged enough to tour as a cosplay guest. I’ve been interstate and overseas to Singapore. It’s such an honor to have people like my work enough to fly me around and collectively they make up my best moments.
One single one that comes to mind is when I won the Perth round of the Championships of Cosplay. I only entered for fun and to push myself. When I heard my name called out and all my friends screaming I was so overwhelmed with joy. I’m not a very competitive person, and I may never enter again, but it was so awesome to be able to represent my city in the finals.
If you had a Legends card made with you as the character, what would the action text be?
Something with Prophecy and Guard. I always feel a relief when my enemy is wounding me and I get to draw a card that can be played right away.
Thanks for supporting Legends and answering our questions!
