Merrill is my sweet previous darling baby blood mage. I fell in love with her character in my playthrough of Dragon Age II (which is the first video game to ever keep my interest to the end!) and I decided to cosplay her.

There were some challenges making her; I learned several new techniques on the fly. I couldn't find linen in the right color, so I dyed it; I didn't want to make a full-body chainmail suit, so I lined metallic mesh fabric with stretchy black and used it to make a fitted bodysuit. Her armor was the trickiest part; I had trouble getting the vinyl weaving to conform to the shape of my legs, but I have plans to improve on it!

Overall, I am in love with the result. I spoke to so many kind people at Ohayocon who gave me wonderful feedback, and the response has been similar on Tumblr, as well! The Dragon Age community is so positive and I can't wait to wear her again.