"There's a scholar at the Arcane University. Tar-Meena's her name. Supposed to be an expert on daedric [sic] [Do not change this to Daedric. This misspelled word is how it appears in-game.] cults."
She has been known on occasion to work with the Blades under the patronage of the Emperor. In conversation, she reveals that she wishes not to know what they are doing and is glad they do not tell her.
She is instrumental in helping the Hero of Kvatch in discovering the location of the Mythic Dawn Cult. At night, Tar-Meena can be found in the Mage Quarters Basement. She tells the Hero that she has Volumes 1 and 2 of the Mythic Dawn Commentaries, but has never seen Volumes 3 or 4. She also mentions that Volume 4 is nearly impossible to find.
Dialogue[]
"Tar-Meena. This is my Mystic Archives. Keep it neat. Keep it quiet. No eating in the stacks."
Imperial City"Too big for me. Loud. Dirty. Clowns, fools, brutes and thieves everywhere. I want to throw my gold away, I just dump it in Lake Rumare, save time."
"Ah. You must be the one I got the message about. How can I help you?"
Mythic Dawn"You know of them? One of the most secretive of all the daedric cults. Not much is known about them. They follow the teachings of Mankar Camoran, who they call the Master. A shadowy figure in his own right."
I found one of their books."Ah yes. "Commentaries on the Mysterium Xarxes," wonderful! You have a scholarly interest in daedric cults, yes?"
I need to find the Mythic Dawn."Find them, eh? I won't poke my nose any further. Official business and all that. I'm used to working with the Blades, don't worry. Say no more. In any case, finding them won't be easy. I've studied Mankar Camoran's writings a bit myself, at least those that I could find. It is clear from the text that Mankar Camoran's "Commentaries" come in four volumes, but I've only ever seen the first two books. I believe that his writings contain hidden clues to the location of the Mythic Dawn's secret shrine to Mehrunes Dagon. Those who unlock this hidden path have proven themselves worthy to join the ranks of the Mythic Dawn cult. Finding the shrine is the first test. If you want to find them, you'll need all four volumes of the "Commentaries.""
Where can I find these books?"Here, you can have the library's copy of Volume 2. Treat it gently, if you please! As I said, I've never seen the third and fourth volumes. You should try First Edition, over in the Market District. Phintias, the proprietor, caters to specialist collectors. He may have an idea of where to locate those books."
Mankar Camoran"The supposed leader of the Mythic Dawn cult. He wrote the infamous "Commentaries on the Mysterium Xarxes." The "Commentaries" are contemporary with Tiber Septim, over 400 years ago. So he is unlikely to still be alive, although you never know."
Mysterium Xarxes"The holy book of the Mythic Dawn. Supposedly written by Mehrunes Dagon himself. If it exists, it would be an artifact of great -- and evil -- power."
Mythic Dawn"They worship the daedra lord Mehrunes Dagon, according to the teachings of their leader, Mankar Camoran. No one knows how widespread the cult is, or where their shrine to Mehrunes Dagon is located."
"It was so nice chatting with you. Be sure to let me know how your hunt for the Mythic Dawn turns out."
After finding the books:
Mythic Dawn"To find their secret shrine to Mehrunes Dagon, you'll need to study the four volumes of Mankar Camoran's "Commentaries." It is a fairly common practice of these kinds of esoteric cults to put hidden messages within their sacred writings. In effect, simply by finding their way to the shrine, prospective members have already passed the first test on the road to "enlightenment." You've piqued my curiosity about this puzzle. I will think on it myself and let you know if I have any ideas. Check back with me tomorrow after I've given this matter some thought." "I'll keep studying the first two volumes of the "Commentaries." Who knows, I might turn up something before you do!"
After waiting a day:
Mythic Dawn"I turned up copies of the first two volumes from my colleagues, and I spent a little time rereading them. Mankar Camoran certainly is a fascinating writer. Undoubtedly insane, but fascinating. Ah, but more to the point, it appears to me that the first words of each paragraph may be significant. A message may be hidden there. I'll continue to study the problem. Come by tomorrow if you like. I may think of something else." "The first words of each paragraph are the key, I'm sure of it! Well, I shouldn't keep you. Goodbye."
After waiting another day:
Mythic Dawn"I think I may have figured out the hidden message in Mankar Camoran's books! Do you have the third and fourth volumes with you?"
No, I don't have the books. (If the third book was removed)"Oh. I was hoping to see if I was on the right track. Well, if you bring them to me I may be able to help you with your puzzle."
Yes, I have them right here."Excellent. Let's see ... yes! The first letter of each paragraph spells out a message! Write this down: "Green Emperor Way Where Tower Touches Midday Sun." Are you familiar with Green Emperor Way? The gardens around the Imperial Palace. Something must be revealed there at noon! How exciting!"
"I've half a mind to go down to Green Emperor Way myself and see what's there ... Well, good luck! I hope you find what you're looking for."
"Err, look. If you're here for information, I'm afraid you'll have to find it on your own. I'm swamped right now; up to my ears in Necromancy. Not practicing it, mind you. Wouldn't want anyone to think I was involved in that sort of thing. I simply meant researching it."
Why are you so busy?"Why? Why? Oh, no real reason. It's just that the entire Council of Mages has been in here at one time or another recently, all wanting information on Necromancers. Necromancy, of all things!"
I was sent to see you."Oh, of course you were! No doubt the Council is trying to get you to bother me further. I ran Caranya out of here just a short while ago, and told them to leave me alone! I keep telling them, I can't produce results if I'm not given any time!"
I'm here to help."Help? No offense, but I don't see how you can do that. Unless you'd like to take some of this work off my shoulders, I'm beyond helping. But I do appreciate the sentiment. If there's anything specific you need, that may be more reasonable then just asking me about Necromancers."
Tell me about Black Soul Gems."Hmm. Now that is a bit more specific. Finally, something I can respond to! Let me think for a moment... Oh yes! There's one obscure text that references these gems. I believe it's still around here someplace, unless Falcar never returned it. The name of the book is "Necromancer's Moon." I'm unclear on the origins of the text, but it does involve these gems you're interested in. I'm afraid you'll have to find it yourself. I'm so out of sorts with all these requests, I've lost track of most everything. It's very distressing."
Mages Guild"The Mystic Archives have a large collection of books. Look around, and you may learn a thing or two."
Necromancer's Moon"I believe you'll find it quite helpful. Once you've had a chance to read it, I'd be happy to discuss it with you."
Necromancers"Hrmph. Why all the fuss now? I thought it would've died down by now, what with the ban on the practice of Necromancy in the guild being in place as long as it has. And yet suddenly everyone shows up on my doorstep, needing information immediately. Nevermind that I might have things of my own to work on."
If approached again:
"Have you found "Necromancer's Moon"?"
After finding the book:
"Good day."
Necromancer's Moon"A most interesting text, is it not? We are fortunate that at least one necromancer took the time to record the information. I am unfamiliar with the "Shade of the Revenant" described within the book, but I was never one to dabble in the more, shall we say, amoral arts. You may take that with you for now, if you wish. The Council may have use for it. Please ask them to return it quickly, as I may need it again."
