CD Projekt Red's The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt released two excellent DLC's that provided a great deal of depth and insight into the world of the Continent outside of Geralt's inner circle.
For most of the Hearts of Stone Expansion pack, Geralt is accompanied by Shani, the bright-eyed medical surgeon with a heart of gold and razor-sharp wit. After receiving a magical scar from the Mirror Master, Gaunter O'Dimm, Geralt completes three wishes to be rid of O'Dimm. Shani plays a vital role in helping Geralt and is present for four quests; Evil's Soft First Touches, Dead Man's Party, A Midnight Clear, and Whatsoever A Man Soweth...
10 Etymology Of Shani
In Hebrew, the name Shani is quite common. Shani is known to mean Kermes - a type of red dye. Entirely fitting for this spirited redhead.
The name Shani is also well known in Hindi culture. In astronomical terms, the name is derived from the planet Saturn, and in Hindi astrology, Shani is one of the nine heavenly objects called Navagraha. To top it off, Lord Shani is a Hindi God of Deeds and Karma: The Dispenser of Justice. The Witcher's Shani can be reflected in his image by her good deeds and intentions, trying to rid the world of injustice by healing.
9 Shani's Necklace
Around the young medic's neck is a beautiful necklace, an ancient Greek symbol. This symbol is the Caduceus - the staff of Hermes. The double serpent coiling a winged staff is internationally known as the symbol of medicine. However, it has been confused with the Rod of Asclepius. Asclepius is the ancient Greek deity of healing and medicine.
The original symbol represented a single snake on a staff. In today's society, the Caduceus is well recognized as a symbol of medicine, as it was adopted by the US Army Medical Corps, popularizing the symbol throughout the medical field.
8 Noble Hearted
Shani saves everyone, no matter their origin or whose side they're on. She tends to the wounds of both factions of war, always found on the front lines in some makeshift hospital. Even her old boss knows it, 'My gut tells me she's somewhere along the front, patching up pikemen.'
Like a true medic, Shani doesn't pick sides and only aims to heal. She's a medic with a mission, and this would lead her to become a renowned medical professional throughout the Continent.
7 Renowned Medical Career
Shani created a very successful career in the medical field and became highly renowned throughout the Continent. While she was a student at Oxenfurt Academy, she participated in the Battle of Brenna and also helps Geralt, Dandelion, and Philippa track down Rience.
Many years later, she becomes a professor and the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Herbology at the University of Oxenfurt. Shani is famous for her quote, adapted from her mentor Milo 'Rusty' Vanderbeck, "Sew red to red, yellow to yellow, white to white and everything will be alright." Shani lived a full and passionate life, dying at the age of 90.
6 Geralt and Shani Share an Intimate History
In the second Witcher book, Dandelion runs into a spot of trouble in Oxenfurt while trying to contact Geralt so he organizes a friend to meet Geralt instead. Shani was a medical student at the Oxenfurt Academy when she is first introduced to the story.
Delighted to meet a witcher, Shani takes over as liaison and proceeds to meet Geralt. Quite taken with each other, the two share some intimate times together before being interrupted by Dandelion and then Philippa. This romance continued onto the first Witcher game.
5 Witcher One
The first Witcher game was released in 2007, and had two main romances for Geralt; Triss and Shani. Not Yennefer! Her and Ciri were not present in this role-playing game. Instead, Geralt had his two favorite redheads to keep him company.
The medical surgeon plays an invaluable part in the storyline. During the day, she can be found at St. Levioda's Hospital and stitches up Geralt when needed. Her evenings are spent at the Temple Quarter. During the investigation in Vizima, she is the only medical professional who can conduct an autopsy.
4 Shani Befriended Vlodimir
During the quest 'Dead Man's Party' Shani attends the wedding with Vlodimir Von Everec - the deceased brother of Olgired, to show him a good time. While in Geralt's body, Vlodimir behaves in complete opposite to normal Geralt, making this one of the best quests in the DLC. Not only does Geralt/Vlodimir dance, wear donkey ears, and actually laugh, but he charms Shani and makes a friend.
Shani takes a liking to Vlodimir even if his behavior is blunt and unrefined. Once the quest is over, Geralt may return to the Von Everec crypt to find fresh flowers by Vlodimir's grave. "Hmm, someone seems to miss him," knowing that it was obviously Shani.
3 Cinderella Shoe Diving
While enjoying and participating in the wedding festivities, Shani and Geralt/Vlodimir stumble upon a group next to the water, who seem to be diving for shoes. Geralt/Vlodimir declares he will steal and then recover her boot in an attempt to impress her.
While underwater players can see many lost shoes. If Geralt/Vlodimir returns only Shani's shoe to her, the player receives 50 experience points. However, if the player chooses to bring all three shoes to the surface, 200 experience points are awarded.
2 Moon Foreshadowing
During the romantic rowboat in the lake after the wedding festivities, Shani requests Geralt to "Row me to the moon." This quote foreshadows how O'Dimm will trick Olgierd so he can finally collect his soul.
The contract between O'Dimm and Olgierd states that three wishes must be fulfilled and that they are standing on the moon. Naturally, Olgierd didn't believe it possible to stand on the real moon, but the pact had not stated that must be the case. He also hadn't realized that O'Dimm was acting through Geralt when the three wishes were granted. Shani's quote also hints that the Mirror Master can be defeated by his reflection in the water.
1 Shani Plays Gwent
The Witcher is full of powerful, badass women who can hold their own - Ciri, Yennefer, Triss, Keira, Philippa, and Shani. These ladies battle, own, control, heal, and help, without anyone's aid. However, when it comes to the card game Gwent, there doesn't seem to be many female players - in fact, only 16 out of 134.
Shani is the only main female character that can play Gwent - and be romanced. A card can be won off her, 'Olgierd Von Everec.' If players miss this opportunity, the card can also be found at the top of Shani's Clinic in Oxenfurt.