Online:Meenai-Shai

Meenai-Shai
Location	Apocrypha, The Sidereal Cloisters
Race	Argonian	Gender	Male
Reaction	Friendly
Other Information
Follower	During Under Malign Stars
Faction(s)	Ciphers of the Eye

Meenai-Shai

Meenai-Shai is an Argonian Cipher of the Eye who can be found outside the Sidereal Cloisters. He will be trying to return some books that were removed from the Cloisters but if you decide to help him, you rapidly find a much more difficult task than expected.

Related Quests

• Under Malign Stars: Help a cipher return books and undo an endless trap.
• Chronicle of Fate: Learn what was forgotten.

Quest-Related Events

Under Malign Stars

You can either start the quest by reading the note Call to the Cloisters or speaking with Meenai-Shai directly. Either way, he will be near the entrance to the Sidereal Cloisters and you will hear him talk to himself:

Meenai-Shai: "One goes to the Calamitous Gallery, another to the Loggia Infinitum, and the last goes to the Empyrean Ascent."

Speak with Meenai-Shai to see what is going on:

Started quest from "Call to the Cloisters":

Otherwise:

"I think that should be all of them. Yes, one, two, three. Three books, I think. I don't remember, did I have more? It is probably fine." I found this missive, do you know anything about it? "Missive? I don't know anything about a missive, but I could use your help. I seem to have in my possession three of my master's tomes with no memory of having taken them. I can't understate the trouble I could be in if he finds they're missing." You'd be punished for misplacing a few books? "If Hermaeus Mora thinks for even a moment that one of his ciphers is trying to steal knowledge from him he'd unwrite my very existence without a second thought! Please, the Cloisters run amok with danger. Will you help me return these books?" Very well I will help you return your books.

"Hmm, let's see. 'Fathomless Gaze', 'Portents of Celestial Bodies', 'Encyclopedia Praedictionem.' Strange, why do I feel like I'm missing something? Ah! Traveler, could you lend me a hand?" What do you need help with? "I woke with three of my master's prized tomes in my possession, but no memory of taking them. I must return them before my Prince notices they're missing, but the Sidereal Cloisters are dangerous. Will you aid me? I have coin if that interests you." I can help you return these books. "You would be saving the scales of this cipher, I assure you. My name is Meenai-Shai and I know the Cloisters like the back of my claw. I can navigate us through its halls easily enough. Just me in the main hall and we can set out from there." Sounds good. I'll meet you inside.

After you agree to help, you can ask him some more questions before meeting him the main hall:

"Very good! Yes! There are only three books, an easy enough task for someone of your stature! Please, follow me!"

Why is it so important to return these books?

"Oh, books of this sort should not leave the Cloisters!
In the Cloisters, all futures—both possible and impossible—stretch out like a great and terrifying ocean. Foolish people would try to use these books to catch a glimpse of their own fate."

What would happen if they did?

"Well, they would go mad, of course. Even I fear to look at them outside the Sidereal halls.
These books, like many books, are too dangerous to leave unguarded. I still don't understand why they— Never mind. Let's just return them!"

What are the Sidereal Cloisters? / What are the Sidereal Cloisters, exactly?

"The Sidereal Cloisters chart the stars to predict our futures. Through orreries and century spanning studies, the ciphers here weave starlight itself into the fabrics of fate. And because of this, the information in these walls is fiercely protected."

Starlight? Fabrics of fate?

"I'll admit to slightly embellishing. One can't walk into the Cloisters and leave with their fates revealed. No. Years of study are required. But should one want the secrets of the stars? Their paths and predictions? Well, that must be protected."

After you have finished speaking with Meenai-Shai he will comment:

Meenai-Shai: "The entrance is just up ahead. I'll meet you inside."

<Meenai-Shai runs ahead into the Sidereal Cloisters>

Once inside the Sidereal Cloisters, you can head to the main hall where Meenai-Shai is waiting for you:

Meenai-Shai: "Yes, hello again. See you in there!"

<Meenai-Shai runs further into the Hall.>

When you catch up to him, he will point out where to go first:

Meenai-Shai: "We should first visit the Calamitous Gallery. Come this way."

<Meenai-Shai runs forward a bit before a trap kills him. A spectral figure appears.>

Morbid Observer: "He didn't even make it past the Main Hall this time. Pitiful. And it seems he has dragged a newcomer along as well. Poor soul."

You can then speak with the Morbid Observer who is shocked that you can actually see and hear her. She will explain that she believes a trap was activated after a theft attempt, which has caused all the residents to be stuck in a loop. The Morbid Observer also mentions that Meenai-Shai will come back to life and your conversation is halted precisely when this happens:

<Meenai-Shai comes back to life and then notices you.>

Meenai-Shai: "Hello traveler! I hope the main hall isn't too imposing, I assure you the rest of the Sidereal Cloisters is far more welcoming. Let me know when you're ready to venture forward."

You have the option of speaking with him before you guide him to the Calamitous Gallery. You quickly realize he does not remember his death:

"I believe the Calamitous Gallery is our first stop. A ghastly collection of troubling predictions, so please do try to avoid peeking. Best not to worry yourself."

You know you just died, right?

"Hm? Died? I don't know that I did. After all, here I stand in one piece. Though I suppose death can encompass a great many things. A change in self, a departure from the old. Perhaps we can compare notes after we are finished, hm?"

After you spoken with him you can follow him to the Calamitous Gallery:

Meenai-Shai: "Meet me in the Calamitous Gallery. It's this way!"

Morbid Observer: "He's spirited to say the least, but he'll grow on you. Or not. He comes back either way."

Once you reach the Calamitous Gallery, he will warn you about recent dangers:

Meenai-Shai: "Tread carefully. The Calamitous Gallery has grown unruly as of late. It's become nearly as dangerous as its prophecies."

You can speak with him again and ask what he remembers about recent experiences:

"Newer ciphers often begin their tenure in the Cloisters by studying in the Calamitous Gallery. Its particular portents can be quite … disheartening. Perhaps this is by design. To weed out the weak-willed, so to speak."

So you really don't remember what happened to you?

"I'm sorry, traveler, but I do not understand the question. I know the Cloisters can be quite distracting, but the sooner we return these books the better. Come now, I'd hate to disappoint my Prince."

You can lead him through the gallery, and deal with the hostile beings in there:

Meenai-Shai: "Everything seems to be so angry at me. Did I do something wrong?"

At the end of the gallery is where the Portents of Celestial Bodies should be placed. Meenai-Shai will comment:

Meenai-Shai: "We made it! We just have to place the book back in its proper spot and— Wait, what's that? I've never seen that in here before."

<As he moves forward, he is hit by another trap and killed. The Morbid Observer will appear once more.>

Morbid Observer: "Struck down once again. Though, he did mention that something seemed different. Come, let us speak."

After you return the book to its place, a sigil will appear in the air and the lighting becomes green. Projections of figures can be found near the bookcase. The Morbid Observer will have you investigate the area, once you examine the projection of Meenai-Shai, the following will happen:

Meenai-Shai: "The new cipher revealed he was sent here on a secret mission by our fathomless Prince and that he needs my help. I can't believe it. I'd do anything for my master."

When you return to the main hall, Meenai-Shai will be alive and waiting for your assistance to return some books:

Meenai-Shai: "There you are! I was worried you changed your mind. Come now, we've got books to return!"

Speak with him to ask about the new cipher that was mentioned:

"You have a friendly look about you, Traveler. Even at a glance I feel that I can trust you. You must get that a lot."

Do you remember a strange, new cipher?

"A new cipher? It isn't often someone joins our ranks, but I must say, those that do are often strange in their own ways. Perhaps when we're done here I can help you find who you're looking for."

He will then move onwards to the Loggia Infinitum:

Meenai-Shai: "Strange, seems I have fewer books to return than I remember. Don't you love when that happens? Onwards to Loggia Infinitum!"

Morbid Observer: "There he goes. Again. Keep an eye open for any new details that may reveal the identity of this mystery cipher."

Once you reach him in the Loggia Infinitum:

Meenai-Shai: "I find comfort in Loggia Infinitum's vastness. Our Prince's knowledge is as infinite as he is caring. To walk these halls is to be held by him."

Speaking with him, he will explain the role of the Loggia Infinitum:

"The Loggia Infinitum contains ever-changing prophecies. The great many portents that are affected by the mundane and ordinary. From changing grain prices to new valleys created by shifting rivers, the everyday is foretold here."

Like before, fight your way to the pedastal where the Encyclopedia Praedictionem is kept, Meenai-Shai will comment:

Meenai-Shai: "Do be careful. Every tome here is priceless, I assure you."

When you reach the pedestal, Meen-Shai will hurry over to return the book:

Meenai-Shai: "Ah yes, right here. Just need to return the book back to the correct place. Wait, a moment. Traveler, something is wrong here—"

<A tentacle emerges from the ground and strikes, killing him.>

Morbid Observer: "I believe you are starting to understand what I have endured for countless cycles. Return the Encyclopedia Praedictionem to its pedestal and see what the sigil will reveal to us."

When you place the Encyclopedia Praedictionem, a new scene will appear. The projections show the Morbid Observer watching as Meenai-Shai unlocks the seals to the books, when you examine the projection of Meenai-Shai, you will hear the following:

Meenai-Shai: "These are simple enough seals. Strange that the cipher couldn't undo these himself. No matter, I'm happy to help my Prince."

After you return the main hall, Meenai-Shai is waiting and only has one more book to return:

Meenai-Shai: "Let's not dawdle, Traveler. It seems I actually only have one book to return."

Speaking with Meenai-Shai, you can offer to return the last book on your own:

"Here I was bemoaning the task of returning these books and it was only the one. I must look like a lazy fool. Still, I appreciate your company. And how grand it must be for you to see the Sidereal Cloisters in all its glory."

Meenai-Shai, perhaps I should return the next book on my own?

"Nonsense. I appreciate your aid, Traveler, but it is my duty to see this book returned. To think I played any role in removing them is pain enough. I won't shirk my duties onto a stranger. No offense."

Meenai-Shai will then head towards the Empyrean Ascent:

Meenai-Shai: "You are in for a treat! Onwards to the Empyrean Ascent!"

Morbid Observer: "With the final book returned, we should finally get the answers we seek."

When you catch up to Meenai-Shai at the Empyrean Ascent:

Meenai-Shai: "Prepare yourself for the majesty of the Empyrean Ascent—the summit of the Cloisters' collections!"

Talking with him at you can ask some pertinent questions:

"The Empyrean Ascent. This is where prophecies that foretell the changing of regimes and dynasties are stored. Powerful knowledge to be sure. Even a single page would allow someone to sway the currents of the realm's politics in their favor."

You don't remember why you took these books?

"In truth, Traveler, I do not. It is a great crime to have removed books without the master's blessing. I can't bear the thought of letting my Prince down."

For the third time, fight your way to the pedestal where the Fathomless Gaze is kept:

Meenai-Shai: "They're all very hostile, aren't they? I'm prone to a short temper myself when a book isn't returned properly."

When Meenai-Shai get close, the inevitable occurs:

Meenai-Shai: "Thank you, Traveler. Now all that is left is to return the book. Wait, this looks odd. I've not seen this in here before."

<A tentacle appears and kills Meenai-Shai the Morbid Observer then arrives.>

Morbid Observer: "You should have the honor. Not that I could return the final book myself."

Returning the final book does not end the cycle, instead it shows a new scene. In it, Meenai-Shai is handing over some books to the cipher Clagius Lampronius who mentions the Divinatory Forums. Examining the projection of Meenai-Shai, you will hear the following:

Meenai-Shai: "I have collected all the books our master requested! I do hope this pleases him!"

With the Morbid Observer's help, you enter the Divinatory Forums and she quickly realises there was a fourth book taken. After you retrieve the Atlas Obscurum you bring it to the Divining Overlook and place it where it belongs. At this, a final scene seen is shown: the Morbid Observer racing towards Meenai-Shai and Clagius Lampronius, as Meenai-Shai realises his mistake and Clagius gloats to his master Peryite.

When you view Meenai-Shai's projection you will hear him say:

Meenai-Shai: "Wait, you're no cipher. I won't allow you to steal these books. I won't!"

After you observe all three figures, you will learn what happened next. Multitudes of tentacles struck all of them down, you then hear Mora's voice:

Hermaeus Mora: "None escape my eye nor my judgment. Deceiver and deceived alike."

Hermaeus Mora: "With knowledge secured and lesson learned, the cycle is broken. The faithful are made whole."

<At this, the green light disappears, and Meenai-Shai and the Morbid Observer stand there both alive and whole.>

Meenai-Shai: "The books! They're trying to steal— Wait. Is it over? Were the books returned?"

Morbid Observer: "Yes, Meenai-Shai. They've been returned. Come, let us speak in the main hall where it is safer."

<The pair run out of the Forums to the main hall.>

You can find the pair of them near the entrance where they talk about their recent experiences:

Meenai-Shai: "Wait, I died? And you were conscious the whole time? This is a lot to take in. How long were we trapped in this cycle?"

Morbid Observer: "I'm unsure how long the cycle lasted. It could have been an eternity. And yes. You died. A great many times, in fact."

Speak with Meenai-Shai to end the quest:

"You did it! You ended the cycle! I'm slowly starting to remember everything. And yes, that includes all my deaths. But best not to dwell on that now. Thank you for everything you have done for me—er, for us!"

It looks like you're finally free.

"Yes! Thank you for freeing us from this trap. To think my Prince would go to such lengths to protect the knowledge kept here …. A harsh punishment, but I must not question my master.
It isn't much, but I want you to have this. Thank you, friend."

After you complete the quest, you can talk with him some more:

"My time here in the Cloisters has been … enlightening. I think, after all this, it'd be nice to stretch my legs and explore the plane. I'll do my best to avoid mad cultists and traps, I promise."

Will you return to the Cloisters?

"Oh, certainly. It has been a privilege to work within these halls. And besides, it's been a while since I've been able to properly conduct my role as a cipher. Imagine all the predictions that have piled up while we were trapped!"

As you leave, you will hear the following conversation:

Morbid Observer: "Strange. I had forgotten the smell of dusty divinations. In fact, I can't remember the last book I read. It's been ages since I could pick one up."

Meenai-Shai: "If you would like, I could offer a few suggestions? Some of my favorites, perhaps."

Morbid Observer: "That would be appreciated, Meenai-Shai. Though, perhaps, let me collect them this time."

Chronicle of Fate

"Good to see you again, friend! Amazing to see how influential you've been. Truly remarkable. Now, if you're like me and need a break from conversing, I have a few tomes tucked in my robes for casual reading. Just say the word."

Have you asked Hermaeus Mora why he left you in that cycle?

"Me? Question the Prince of Fate? I would never! No, no. That's laughable. I have journaled about it though."

He will be one of the voices to support you during Scruut's speech:

Meenai-Shai: "That's not all, they also helped return three very important tomes to their proper place in the Sidereal Cloisters."

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