Shani played a vital role in the Battle of Brenna in March 1268, serving in a field hospital under Milo 'Rusty' Vanderbeck. Despite her youth, she effectively managed the demanding and gruesome conditions, providing essential medical aid to the wounded, contributing to the victory of the Northern Kingdoms.
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How did Shani become the Dean of the Department of Medicine at Oxenfurt Academy?
Shani, initially a medical student at Oxenfurt Academy, demonstrated her medical proficiency at a young age. She served in Milo 'Rusty' Vanderbeck's field hospital at the Battle of Brenna. Her exceptional skills and commitment to the field led to her appointment as the Dean of the Department of Medicine at Oxenfurt Academy.
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What is the relationship between Shani and Dandelion in the Witcher series?
In the Witcher series, Shani and Dandelion are old friends. Shani, a medical student, organizes a gathering to honor Dandelion, a renowned bard. Their interactions significantly influence the progression of various quests. Dandelion also visits Shani's house, further highlighting their close relationship.
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What age was Shani when she died and what year was it?
Born around 1250, Shani from The Witcher series was approximately 17 years old in 1267, as stated by Philippa Eilhart in Blood of Elves. Her death is recorded in the year 1340 in The Lady of the Lake.
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What was Shani studying as a third year medical student at Oxenfurt Academy?
Shani, a character from the Witcher series, was studying medicine at Oxenfurt Academy in 1267. Her education paved the way for her future roles as a medic in the Battle of Brenna and eventually as the Dean of the Department of Medicine.
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Biography
Studying at the Academy
In 1267, Shani was a 17 year old, third year medical student attending Oxenfurt Academy. It's unclear how she and Dandelion met, but the two were friendly enough that when the bard came by to visit that year, he called her over from where she was sitting and the two pretended to flirt as Dandelion was being followed by some of Sigismund Dijkstra's spies. He then asked her to go and deliver a message to the witcherGeralt, who was hiding in Oxenfurt in his hunt to find the mage, Rience, and the two split off.
While she successfully found and delivered the message, she and Geralt also proceeded to engage in sex before being interrupted by Dandelion and then Philippa Eilhart. As the group discussed the reason Geralt was in the city, the conversation turned to Rience and Shani spoke up, asking if he had a really bad burn mark on one side of his face. With everyone looking at her in wonderment, Shani explained that tuition was too costly for her stepfather to cover all of it so she'd been stealing supplies from the school and selling on the side to a local named Myhrman. One day when conducting such business, Myhrman had been entertaining a guest he called "Master Rience" with a burn mark on his face and who'd made unwanted advances at Shani before Myhrman told him to cut it out as he still wanted to do business with the medical student. With this new information, the group asked Shani to take them to the local, who was now Geralt's best lead in finding Rience.
That same night, Shani led them to Myhrman's home: a small tower out in the waters that was only accessible with a draw bridge that Myhrman controlled. However, Shani convinced Myhrman to lower it and the group entered before Geralt and Philippa began to interrogate him on what he knew of Rience. Shortly after, Geralt was able to send a message to the mage and the two met out on the streets, though Rience had brought several hired killers. After the mage ran, letting the Michelet brothers fight Geralt, the witcher quickly cut all four of them down. Shani, who'd been standing on the bridge with Dandelion, saw the men fall and screamed out, attempting to rush over and save them, but Dandelion held onto her due to the dangerous situation. However, Geralt had been badly wounded and while he almost succeeded in killing Rience, Philippa cast a paralyzing spell on the witcher, letting Rience escape. With Geralt suffering from a great loss of blood, Philippa asked Shani, who'd now joined them, to be ready to help as the witcher was going to pass out soon and would need to be patched up quickly.[5]
The following year, in March 1268, the Battle of Brenna took place and she worked in one of the field hospitals under Milo "Rusty" Vanderbeck. Despite Rusty believing Shani was too young and would soon keel over from either exhaustion or from the gruesome operations, she proved she was quite capable of helping out. Even if she wasn't fully trained in other areas, like sewing up a patient, Rusty simply told her to sew "red to red, yellow to yellow, white to white" which eventually became a famous joke of hers many years later as the dean of the Department of Medicine at Oxenfurt Academy.[4]
The following is considered game canon only and may contradict Andrzej Sapkowski's works.
Vizima outskirts
In 1270, Shani began to make her way to Temeria's capital, Vizima, to help provide assistance against the Catriona plague at St. Lebioda's Hospital. While traveling through its outskirts, she soon learned the area had its own troubles: a barghest pack, led by "the Beast" was terrorizing the town and killing villagers, while she also heard hushed rumors about Salamandra activity in the area and that the local reverend knew something about the gang.
One night at the inn, she saw a young boy barely make it through the closing gates as a woman was about to be attacked and killed by barghests. Suddenly spotting Geralt nearby, Shani called out to him to help save the woman, but sadly he was not able to. Just as the Beast appeared, the young boy fell into a trance and foretold Ithlinne's prophecy about the White Frost, scaring off the Beast.
Having a reprieve from the attacks, Shani began to talk to Geralt about what just happened, who quickly informed her he was suffering from amnesia. Afterwards, realizing people there needed help recovering from all the attacks, Shani decided to stick around for a bit to provide assistance wherever she could. She also temporarily took in the young boy, Alvin, until she could find a more permanent home for him. Thankfully, she soon found that the local witch, Abigail, was willing to take care of the boy.
As she finished helping the locals though, Shani suddenly found herself surrounded by several thugs at the inn, having not realized the situation she was in until all the other patrons had run off and the innkeeper was killed by the group. However, Geralt suddenly appeared after his own investigation into Salamandra and saved Shani. Afterwards, Shani revealed it was time for her to make her way to Vizima as she'd originally planned, having enough of the villagers' actions against each other. Soon after, she accompanied Geralt to Vizima, splitting off though as they got into the city itself.
Helping in Vizima
Once inside Vizima proper, Shani rented a cheap place to stay in an old lady's home, though found the old woman to be pretty insufferable. Despite this, she quickly made the city her new home, and even caught the interest of Thaler, who she went out with a few times. However, on their last outing, Shani saw they were being followed by special forces before Thaler informed her they had to part as duty called, revealing his real identity as the head of Temeria's Intelligence Service. Annoyed at this but wanting to know more, Shani faked fainting but soon burst out laughing after Thaler used some colorful expressions to tell off the inept men. As the men walked her home, they revealed offhand that an operation against Salamandra had failed.
Incidentally, Geralt's separate investigations into Salamandra kept colliding with Shani's work: the city's guards brought in a Salamandra prisoner and pressed that she try and heal him as quickly as possible. However, when his condition worsened, and having no other anesthetics, Shani gave him fisstech that was given to her by a detective that'd been working with Geralt. Not realizing the real detective had been killed and his identity taken over by Azar Javed, who needed the prisoner to die, she unknowingly administered the fisstech, which turned out to be laced with eggs of the Zerrikanian tsetse fly.
Later, Geralt came to Shani to help perform an autopsy on the body. She agreed to help him out so they could learn who the real culprit was and for further leads into Azar and Salamandra.
If Old Friend of Mine is completed: Shortly after, on hearing that Dandelion was going to be in town, Shani proposed the three gather together for old time's sake, and that Geralt should invite someone along as well.
If Zoltan Chivay or Siegfried is invited as the guest: It turned out to be an enjoyable enough evening, with everyone getting rather drunk and recounting tales.
If Carmen is invited as the guest: While everyone got drunk, Shani was not pleased with Geralt inviting a courtesan to the party, and the party ended on a sour note.
...and Shani is romanced: After the rest of the guests left, Shani was approached by Geralt, who asked for more clarification about what she had referred to when Dandelion interrupted them in Oxenfurt. The two then finally had a private, uninterrupted, moment together.
While still working at the hospital, Alvin was brought in as a patient, coming under Shani's care once more. However, she was soon approached by the sorceressTriss, who wanted to take the boy under her care due to him being a Source. Feeling the sorceress had ulterior motives for wanting Alvin though, Shani refused to hand him over.
If Alvin is given to Shani in The Source: Shani all but demanded that Geralt not do what the sorceress asked and instead bring Alvin to her home so she could keep an eye on him. Soon after, Dandelion appeared with Alvin, explaining how things transpired in recovering the boy from Salamandra. After Geralt showed up to check on them, Shani then requested that Geralt make it clear to Triss she was not going to get her hands on Alvin.
While Alvin stayed with her, Shani did her best to keep an eye on him, though noticed he liked to sneak out to the dike when he could. However, when Geralt was unexpectedly teleported away to save his life, Shani noticed Alvin had also gone missing, likely due to his own uncontrolled powers. Thankfully, Dandelion soon informed Shani that Geralt had been teleported to Murky Waters and was laying low for a bit. Relieved that he was OK, Shani hastily wrote a letter for the bard to give to Geralt.
If Alvin is given to Triss in The Source: Shani became upset, feeling betrayed by Geralt and refused to talk to him for awhile.
In the city, tensions continued to grow between the Order of the Flaming Rose and the Scoia'tael, eventually culminating with fights breaking out between both groups. Wanting to help treat all the wounded, regardless of race or affiliation, Shani setup a field hospital in Old Vizima. As she tended to everyone she could, Geralt arrived with others in tow, only for some of the fighting forces to break in and try to kill any wounded of the opposing side.
If the Order or Scoia'tael path was chosen: After fighting off the hostiles with Geralt, Shani continued to tend to whoever she could while the fighting continued to rage just outside her field hospital.
If the neutral path was taken: After dealing with the hostiles, Shani explained she needed to get to the swamp cemetery as, without the druids' medication, half of her patients would likely die before the next day. With Geralt's help, Shani was escorted out of the city and to the Druids' cave.
After Vizima
If Shani was romanced and given Alvin: After the dust settled regarding Jacques de Aldersberg's attempted rebellion against KingFoltest, Shani and Geralt remained in a relationship for a time. However, it soon became clear to Shani that Geralt was more interested in the various missions that the king gave the witcher than their relationship. After a serious discussion, the two parted amicably, with Shani accepting an offer to teach at Oxenfurt and soon left Temeria behind.[6]
If Shani was not romanced and not given Alvin: After the dust settled regarding Jacques de Aldersberg's attempted rebellion against King Foltest, Shani headed back to Oxenfurt.
Back in Oxenfurt, Shani finished her doctorate before opening her own practice within the city.[1] However, as the city was part of Redania, this also meant she had to be ready when called upon by Redania's Army with various urgent matters. By 1272, she was doing well for herself when she was ordered to assist with finding a cure for those being poisoned by something in the city's waters. This eventually led to her entering the sewers with a full army unit to try and find the unknown monster within, while she went to get fresh samples to make an antidote. However, they were attacked by the monster and Shani barely escaped with her life thanks to several of the men's sacrifices to get her to safety.
As she fruitlessly tried to save one of them, Geralt, having been sent on a separate contract to kill the monster, ran into her here and together they explored the sewers to try and find the monster's lair, as that was where Shani would likely find a clean sample. After they found it, Geralt then sent her to hide, with strict orders to run if the monster appeared. Following the witcher's instruction, she did run back home, thankfully not being spotted by Ofiri soldiers who'd also entered the sewers to try and rescue their cursed prince.
Back in her clinic, she successfully created an antidote to heal those sickened by the toad's poison before Geralt approached her once more, this time requesting help in learning the location of the Von Everec family crypt. As it was a place known for beautiful architecture during its prime, and as the witcher needed a censer only she could acquire from the academy, she invited herself along to see the crypt. However, to complete his task, this meant Olgierd's dead brother's ghost, Vlodimir, took temporary possession of Geralt. As Shani needed a date to a friend's wedding, she offered Vlodimir/Geralt to accompany her and he heartily agreed, not holding back on flirting with her.
With Vlodimir/Geralt by her side, the two had a good time at the wedding. However, she had to go think things over about where she and Geralt stood and concluded to just remain friends, as she needed someone who'd be home at the end of everyday. Geralt then requested if she could look into Olgierd some more to learn exactly who he was. While she didn't find anything in the books, she did learn of a Professor Premethine Shakeslock who had known Olgierd.
If Geralt talks to her to learn more: Shani helped Geralt into the locked down academy so he could talk to Shakeslock, while she returned home.
Shortly after, she packed up her clinic and left for the eastern front in Kaedwen, as the Redanian Army had called on her to help tend to their wounded there.
In Chapter III, you're forced to choose between either Shani or Triss as Alvin's guardian. This choice does not impact the overall story, but will determine who can be further romanced. If Shani is not picked, she will not appear again until Chapter V and may be short with Geralt for the most part.
Shani, medicSoon after I arrived in the Outskirts I met Shani, an acquaintance from a long time ago, in quite dramatic circumstances. Shani is completely devoted to medicine, her passion, and she had plenty to do in the Outskirts, so there was no time for small talk. I got the impression that this sensible, intelligent girl likes me a lot.
I dragged Shani into the business with Salamandra, and although the girl was in danger, it all ended well. Shani finished what she had to do in the Outskirts and returned to Vizima, to her house in the Temple Quarter.
Shani works at Saint Lebioda's Hospital during the day and spends evenings at her lodgings in the Temple Quarter. She hates it when people disturb her at work so it's best to visit her later in the day.
During the party Shani recounted her experiences during the Battle of Brenna, where she tended to the wounded. I have a feeling Shani has come to like me a lot.
If Geralt left Alvin with Triss:
I left Alvin in Triss' care. Shani decided that I don't trust her and that I prefer the sorceress. She is angry with me, and it seems our affair is over.
If Geralt left Alvin with Shani:
I've decided to leave Alvin in Shani's care. The medic took my choice to be a proof of my trust. She decided that I like her more than Triss, which only improved our relationship.
Dandelion delivered a letter from Shani. The girl asks me to find Alvin, who has gone missing. Her letter exudes worry for the boy and me - Shani hopes to see us both soon and also hopes we can become a family.
I answered Shani's letter and explained my feelings.
Shani has moved back to rebellion-torn Old Vizima. She is tending to the wounded of both factions in a makeshift field hospital.
I met Shani, or actually a vision of her created by my mind, in the Ice Plains. The medic aided me as I pursued the Grand Master.
Some of you have surely heard the rumors about the relationship that bloomed between the young medic Shani and Geralt. I hasten to inform you that they are all true. I consider Shani a friend both true and old. We go back to the days when I lectured in minstrelsy at Oxenfurt University, and I was the one to introduce her to the witcher. Upon Geralt's return to the living, they were reunited in Vizima, where the red-haired medic competed with Triss Merigold for Geralt's heart. She emerged victorious from the rivalry. The flame of their romance blazed bright, but it burned out quickly. Though a very young woman, Shani proved more mature than the witcher, who had always found relationships puzzling and difficult. Geralt would dodge his obligations towards her, preferring instead to pursue the missions King Foltest assigned him. The medic quickly realized this flour would yield no bread. She had a serious conversation with the witcher, and they parted amicably. Shani accepted an offer to teach at Oxenfurt and left for that city, whereas Geralt followed Foltest to the lands of the La Valettes. After splitting with Shani, the witcher needed comforting and quickly found solace in Triss Merigold's arms.
Geralt entered the Oxenfurt sewers expecting to hunt down a hideous monster – so you can imagine his surprise when down one of those dank, slimy corridors he ran into Shani, an old and dear friend. Geralt and I had first met this extraordinary young woman years earlier, when she was just a coltish coed, but by this time she had grown into a dignified doctor and a fearless field medic for the Redanian Army.
This latter role had led her, and a unit of soldier escorts, to descend into the sewers. Their goal was to gather a sample of the venom spewed by the monstrosity squatting there. Geralt, a gentleman through and through, agreed to help her in her task.
Geralt's encounter with Vlodimir von Everec reminded him that he and Shani had once shared passionate (though passing) feelings for each other. He also became aware some remnant of these feelings was still lodged in his heart...
At times fate composes tales so shocking no poet would dare put his name to them, for fear his public would mock them as overly outlandish. Such was the case when Geralt and the ghost of Vlodimir von Everec shared a body for an evening and accompanied Shani to the wedding of Aldona, her friend from the Academy. Some might have let this unusual escort interfere with their enjoyment of the evening – but not Shani. Looking around at the tasteful wedding decorations, smelling the rich odor of berry-laden rowan – a plant near and dear to her heart, one which summoned up fond childhood memories – Shani felt the heedless abandon of her younger years return and, overjoyed, threw herself into the thick of the festivities.
One thing is certain – Shani was not bored by the company of Vlodimir von Everec, who showered her with professions of burning desire and swept her off her feet with his maniacal energy. Yet when the hour came for him to return to the netherworld, she breathed a sigh of relief, for now she could spend some time alone with Geralt, who was much more sensitive and predictable (though Vlod would probably just call him boring).
A pleasantly-begun evening blossomed into a night of rapture, then settled into a golden dawn on the shores of a lake, serenaded by nature's first awakening murmurs. Though Shani seemed delighted by this course of events, the morning air had put her in a reflexive mood. She parted ways with Geralt, explaining she had to think through what had just happened.
Fate decreed Shani would not linger long in her hometown of Oxenfurt. For as long as the war lasted, she was the Redanian army's to command, and her commander had decided to send her to Kaedwen, the conflict's eastern front. Before setting off she managed to inform Geralt about a certain Professor Shakeslock, who might be able to help with Gaunter O'Dimm. Geralt thanked his friend and they parted ways, hoping they would meet again, later or, quite preferably, sooner.
Shani is a common name in Hebrew which means "Kermes" (a type of red dye). Another possible meaning is that her name is derived from the Hindi name of the planet Saturn. It could also refer to "Sanitäter" (short "Sani"), the German word for medic.
In her first romance card she is reading what appears to be an illustrated erotic text. In the censored version, the text is also censored and devoid of images.
During the development of The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, Shani was considered for an appearance in the game, but ultimately didn't make the cut.
Shani is one of the few women who plays gwent and you can win the Olgierd von Everec card from her.
Correspondence addressed to Shani in Hearts of Stone indicate she has a family name, however both the wedding invitation and the Redanian army orders curiously render the detail unintelligible.
Pre-Patch 4.0 of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Shani is seen incorrectly wearing a cadaceus necklace (the staff carried by Hermes in Greek mythology), however post-patch this was corrected to the medical symbol of the Rod of Asclepius, with the singular entwined serpent.
Videos
Shani and Carmen Catfight over Geralt's Favor Party and Sex with Medic
The Source Shani's Lover (1st sex with Shani)
Gallery
Concept art of Shani for The Witcher 2
Render of Shani for The Witcher 3
Promotional image for Hearts of Stone
Shani in The Witcher 3
Gwent standalone card art: Shani
Shani's journal portrait in The Witcher
Shani standing by the fire inside the Outskirts Inn in The Witcher
See the GWENT standalone game version card: Shani