This week on SCG Daily we are featuring a series of special interviews covering the various types of Magic cards. The hosts are guest celebrities, and the interviewees are Planeswalkers and residents of Dominaria with special expertise in the field. Today’s guest interviewers are E! TV stars Joan and Melissa Rivers.)
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Yes, here we are overlooking the Red Carpet – or, tonight, the Red Zone, and the stars are all taking their turns. They are decked out to the max – just take a look at the equipment and auras we are seeing. It’s all wildly exciting, and the evening is just getting started.
We just saw Hunted Troll – always a favorite with the kids. He was accessorizing with a Loxodon Funhammer – now there’s a look we can all relate to! And, wait – who’s that – it’s Academy Rector! Now there’s someone you don’t expect to see in the Red Zone! A.R., over here! A.R., could you say a few words to our viewers?
Hello Joan, Hello Melissa! Isn’t this a fabulous evening?
Yes, indeed, and you are looking stunning tonight A.R., but I have to say we are surprised to see you here — you rarely enter the Red Zone.
Well that’s true. I’m not really comfortable in the spotlights, but since tonight there is no real opposition, I decided to take a bit of a stroll. It’s a rare chance to swagger.
That is a stunning gown you have on. The sheen is heavenly, and the azure accents positively glow. Is it true that it was designed by Urza himself?
Yes, indeed. It is specially enchanted to repel the dirt and corruption of the graveyard, which is, of course, quite important for me.
You are famed for spending your time in the graveyard, aren’t you?
Actually, Melissa, if I spend any time there at all, someone has made a serious mistake. I may start heading there, but ninety-nine times out of a hundred, I make a side trip to the archives. Others may say that there is life after death – for me, it’s more like work after death. Still, for me, my work is my life.
We have always admired your work, from your early appearances through to your starring role in Carpe Noctum, but we have not seen you appearing very often recently. Why is that?
Well, some of that is down to age. So many of the formats these days only have roles for younger cards. The new Extended, for example, is really pretty much closed to those of us who broke into the business in the days of Urza’s Saga. There are a few openings in the older formats, but the number of actors looking for work is huge. So many of the available roles are taken by those on the A-list – A-list as in “All Restricted list” – and there is rarely room for an archivist. I do get a lot of work in the big deck features, like 5color, and of course I work casually all over the world, so I keep busy. Besides, it’s tough to compete against the whole Internet / Web / Google thing.
Talk about that a little, if you would.
Well, the Internet is great if all you need is information about an enchantment. You can use StarCityGames’ great card search function to find out all about Necropotence, for instance. You can even order it, and it will arrive in a couple days. With me, when you send me to get Necropotence, you get it in play, instantly.
Is Necro one of the enchantments you are most commonly sent for?
Actually, no. I broke into the business mainly searching for a similar, but much racier, enchantment – Yawgmoth’s Bargain. I can’t tell you how many requests I had for that one! Bargain was just a bit to risqué, however, and it was finally banned for the younger set, so now it can only appear in V rated formats.
After Bargain, I think the most commonly requested enchantment was probably Saproling Burst, followed by specialty enchantments like Ivory Mask, Planar Void, Light of Day, Sylvan Library, Abundance and so on.
Do you think your feats will ever be replicated by another?
No, I think my skills are pretty unique. I don’t see anyone ever again having my particular mix of skills, abilities and upbringing. And my sense of purpose. Plus, of course, the gods granted me some powers I feel they are unlikely to bestow again.
If you don’t mind my asking, what about the Auratouched Mage? He does seem to emulate you, in some ways. Does he have some of your skills?
He’s good, but nobody can do what I can do. Auratouched Mage, well, he’s like a poorly trained Golden Retriever. I mean, he can fetch things, all right, but then he won’t let go of them. Look – sometimes you really need a Confiscate – but who wants that Confiscate stuck to your own guy?
And covered, as it were, with dog slobber?
(laughs) Right. But that’s just a side product. I mean, A-Mage’s big problem is that he can only get these Aura things. I mean – what’s an Aura? It’s just another example of all these rule changes foisted upon us since the days of Urza and Mishra. I mean… Sorry, where was I?
You were explaining that Auratouched Mage could only find Auras, and why you thought that could be a problem.
Right. Thanks. Now, look, in some cases, you really need a certain something. Say you are being overrun by Goblins, and you really need a Circle of Protection: Red, or even a Moat. I mean, I could head straight for the archives and get exactly what was needed. No special restrictions, no extra costs. What you need, in play, right now. No young upstart is going to do that.
So what are you working on right now?
Well, next weekend I’m starring in remake of the Repercussion / Aether Flash / Varchild’s War Riders deck for a 10 proxy Vintage tournament. It’s not something I expect to see winning any awards, but a lot of us old cards like to get together from time to time, and we have a lot of fun seeing people relate to the performance.
Well, A.R., it has been just great to see you. Thank you so much for talking with us.
Joan, it’s been a pleasure.