Lier, Disciple of the Drowned

Lier, Disciple of the Drowned first appeared in the 2021 Magic: The Gathering expansion Innistrad: Midnight Hunt. The character represents a tragic figure in the lore of the Innistrad plane, specifically a priest who, in his desperate attempt to save his community from the encroaching darkness, inadvertently facilitated the return of the ancient entity Geralf and Gisa’s undead forces. This specific printing comes from the 2022 Innistrad: Double Feature set, a unique release designed to showcase the two primary Innistrad sets of that year through a monochromatic, silver-screen aesthetic.

The Double Feature design was conceived as a stylistic homage to classic horror cinema, stripping the vibrant artwork of its color to emphasize the gothic gloom of the setting. The illustration for Lier was created by artist Svetlin Velinov, who utilized strong chiaroscuro techniques to heighten the dramatic contrast required by the black-and-white print treatment. Upon its release, the Double Feature set was noted for its unconventional visual identity, which collectors appreciated for its departure from the standard aesthetic of modern Magic cards.