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The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

M'Aiq the Liar Guide

by htorniS 

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//__ | | (_| |  __/ |    _\ \ (__| | | (_) | | \__ \
\__/ |_|\__,_|\___|_|    \__/\___|_|  \___/|_|_|___/
                                                    
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  /___\ |__ | (_)_   _(_) ___  _ __  
 //  // '_ \| | \ \ / / |/ _ \| '_ \ 
/ \_//| |_) | | |\ V /| | (_) | | | |
\___/ |_.__/|_|_| \_/ |_|\___/|_| |_|



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Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
M'Aiq the Liar Guide
For Xbox 360
By Aaron Craig AKA Sinroth
Copyright 2006 Aaron Craig
Email: [email protected]
Game by Bethesda Softworks
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Authors Note:

This is my first guide for a game ever, so bear with me. I've always
wanted to try FAQ writing, but never got around to it... until I
played Oblivion. The game is one of my favourites, and I thought
that I'd try and write a guide for my favourite NPC in the game;
M'Aiq the Liar, a wise Khajiit who gives you many obscure and
humorous quotes.
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Contributing:
 
If you wish to contribute something, say, where to find M'Aiq, or a
correction on one of the quotes, go ahead and e-mail me at
[email protected] but take note that I don't check my e-mail very
often, so it may be a long time before I get back to you.

What I want: 

- Questions not answered in this guide
- Information not in this guide
- Criticisms
- Compliments
- You telling me sites that have ripped off or stolen this guide.
- You asking me if you can put my guide on your website. Chances are,
  I'll say yes.

What I don't want:

- Flames (ie; **** you, you suck, penis wrinkle etc.)
- Spam (merchandise, random messages etc.)
- Messages in leet speak (15 j00 t3h hax0rz!?11!11/!shift+teh! etc.)
- Messages that aren't typed properly. Slang is accepted, but please
  keep it to a minimum.
- Questions answered in this guide
- Information in this guide
- Donations
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Version History:

1.0, Wednesday, 21st June

 - Completed the basic part of the walkthrough

1.1, Thursday, 22nd June

 - Updated three quotes
 - Added 'Version History' section
 - Fixed a typo
 - Fixed the layout of some things

1.2, Friday, 23rd June

 - Fixed the layout of some things
 - Added 'New Content' section
 - Updated six quotes
 - Updated credits
 - Updated questions section
 - Neoseekers may now use my guide

1.3, Saturday, 24th June

 - Fixed a typo
 - Updated 'New Content' section
 - Updated Dragon quote
 - Updated the Grey Hood
 - Added M'Aiq's name meaning

1.4, Friday, 30th June

 - Updated 'New Content'
 - Updated Grey Hood
 - Updated credits
 - Supercheats may now use my guide

1.5, Thursday, 6th July

 - Added a new quote
 - Updated 'New Content'
 - Updated Grey Hood
 - Updated credits
 - Updated dragons quote

1.6, Wednesday, 31st January

 - Added a new quote
 - Added how to obtain the Tattered Hood
 - Fixed locations
 - Fixed typos

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New Content Version 1.6:

Suprised? I finally updated the guide. I've reworded and cleaned up a
lot of the sections, given a few additional thoughts on what some
quotes might mean, deleted a few useless sections in Information, and
added a bit. Also updated the oh-so-important Fishy Stick link, which
now actually works.

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=======================================================================

          [1] Table of Contents

=======================================================================

To jump to a section quickly, highlight the section you want, then hit:
 
Ctrl + C
Ctrl + F
Ctrl + V

And then click 'Find Next'

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[1]  Table of Contents

[2]  M'Aiq the Liar

 [2.01] Locations
 [2.02] Quotes
 [2.03] Information
 [2.04] Questions

[3]  Closing Words

 [3.01] Acknowledgements
 [3.02] Copyright

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=======================================================================

          [2] M'Aiq the Liar

=======================================================================

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  [2.01] Locations
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M'Aiq is found at many places all throughout Cyrodiil. He is constantly
on the move, though he does have a set schedule. Try following M'Aiq
throughout the world and see what kind of zany adventures you get up 
to.

M'Aiq's schedule is as follows:

- He begins east of the Yellow Road bridge north of Trossan Camp
- He moves between Leyawiin and Anvil for five hours
- He searches for calipers during this time period

I have been able to find M'Aiq at these specific locations. Take note,
these may not work for you, as I have received e-mails that he is not
here. I have tested these several times within various save games, and
in everyone, he is there on time.

- Leyawiin Stables at 2AM
- Anvil Stables at 12PM

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  [2.02] Quotes
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Here is a compilation of quotes I have seen him say:

=======================================================================

'M'Aiq knows much, tells some. M'Aiq knows many things other do not.'

This is what M'Aiq will say when you first talk to him. He may
have been an actual liar in Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, but now,
he is Bethesda's way of communicating with people, and telling them
why content was removed.

=======================================================================

'M'Aiq longs for a Colovian Fur Helm. Practical, yet stylish. M'Aiq is
sad he does not have one.'

In the previous game, M'Aiq wore a bright, yellow Colovian Fur Helm;
a hat that most players called 'Ugly' and one that beared little
defense. Colovian Fur Helms are no longer in this game, and M'Aiq is
poking fun at the fact that people hated the hats. The hats, however,
have somewhat of a cult status within several players in the Elder
Scrolls community.

=======================================================================

'M'Aiq wishes he had a stick made out of fishies to give to you. Sadly,
he does not.'

On the official forums, there used to be a fad where older users
would post a link to a pirate holding a fishy stick to new users,
saying 'Have a fishy stick.' The fad, started by Captain Eldrad,
disappeared a bit before Morrowind was released. So, after all that,
have a fishy stick!

http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Image:Fishystick.jpg

=======================================================================

'M'Aiq believes the children are our future. But he doesn't want them
ruining all of our fun.'

Not only could one make the comparison between M'Aiq's Virginity (see
section 2.03) and thus, his likely lack of children, but it is the
opinion of many (Credit to BtVSFan and sirchristhompson) that this is
related to the lack of (living) children in game. While you can see
Child Overalls in Necromancer lairs, there are none existing within
the game. While also something particularly obvious, I think
CoolGuyClay has summed it up perfectly:

"I believe this is a reference to video game legislation where laws
are considered to "protect the children" from violent video games. By
restricting the sales to minors or rating games to harshly that
stores will not carry Mature titles, less money would be available
to game developers to produce games in general, or, more to the point,
there would be less incentive to produce games for a more mature
audience. M'Aiq believes children are worth protecting, but not at
the expense of giving up all games with violence or mature themes
that adults like to play too"

=======================================================================

'M'Aiq thinks his people are beatiful. The Argonian people are beatiful
as well. They look better than ever before.'

Ah, so not only does M'Aiq take an interest in Khajiit looks, but also
in the appearance of Argonians. It is possible he is referring to the
upgraded graphics from Morrowind. Frankier40 has informed me that this
is also a reference to the fact that Khajiit and Argonians now walk
differently from in Morrowind, because they are a different
sub-species. This may also be considered a reference to a previous
Elder Scrolls game, Daggerfall, as it was possible to strip them down
to nothing. For the latter, thanks go out to everyone who e-mailed me
with this vital piece of information. You know who you are, but due to
wanting the information of this guide to be larger than the credits
section, I won't list you all.

=======================================================================

'Some people wish to throw their weapons. That seems foolish to M'Aiq.
If you hold your weapon, you only need one.'

In Morrowind, there were throwing weapons, which were removed for
Oblivion. Many players complained about this, and this is M'Aiq's take
on the argument.

=======================================================================

'Feet are for walking. Hands are for hitting. Or shaking. Or waving.
Sometimes for clapping.'

No wai. This could be a reference to the fact that you cannot use
your feet in hand-to-hand combat, or that Oblivion's combat (including
Hand-to-Hand has been updated). Sorry, to Amazing Alanzi and
sirchristhompson who e-mailed me after I submitted the first update,
but here is your entrance.

=======================================================================

'M'Aiq prefers to adventure alone. Others just get in the way. And they
talk, talk talk.'

Some fans hoped that Oblivion included other party members who would
travel with you. While a somewhat similar system is in place (EG: 
Adoring Fan, Dark Brotherhood Murderer), it is not quite what they were
all hoping for. It also alludes to many peoples hopes of a multiplayer
Elder Scrolls (especially in the outbreak of recent MMO rumours), and,
as it would appear, coolguyclay, trumpetplayer, The Amazing Alanzi,
and dontreadme would all concur.

=======================================================================

'People always enjoy a good Fable. M'Aiq has yet to find one, though.
Perhaps one day.'

A likely reference to Fable, an RPG game released for the Xbox that was
said to be the 'Morrowind killer,' but fell short of many peoples
expectations, including developer Peter Molyneux.

=======================================================================

'Some people want special bows that take too long to load and need
special arrows called bolts. M'Aiq thinks they are idiots.'

Like Throwing Weapons, Crossbows were a weapon in Morrowind removed
for Oblivion. Many (including myself) wanted them in, and so this is
M'Aiq's take on the argument.

=======================================================================

'So much easier to get around these days. Not like the old days. Too
much walking. Of course, nothing stops M'Aiq from walking when he
wants.'

This is likely a take on the fact that in Morrowind, to get to places,
you either had to pay to get there, or you had to walk there. Walking
is what usually happened, and it took a long time to get to places, and
so people complained. M'Aiq is poking fun at the fact that there is now
a fast travel option in Oblivion available from anywhere. It could also
possibly allude to the fact that you move faster in Oblivion (or at
least seem to), though I doubt it.

=======================================================================

M'Aiq is glad he has a compass. Makes it easy to find things. Much
better than wandering around like a fool.'

Morrowind lacked a compass feature, unlike Oblivion, and this
frustrated many players, as finding landmarks became "tedious" and
"much harder than necessary", plus you mostly relied on the directions
of NPCs. Oblivion now has a compass, which points to the required area,
making things easier to find, and, to some, too easy to find.

=======================================================================

'Why would one want to swing a staff? A mace hurts more. Or a sword.
Can't shoot a fireball from a sword, though.'

The ability to attack with spears and staves were also removed from
Oblivion (with spears being removed alltogether), and many players want
them back in. Again, this is Bethesda's answer to it.

=======================================================================

'I do not wish to fight on horseback. It is a good way to ruin a
perfectly good horse... which is, to say, a perfectly good dinner.'

Lots of players were hoping for mounted combat, where you could attack
on a horse. The feature was not put into the game, and many were upset.
Once again, M'Aiq's take on the argument. Those longing for mounted
combat, however, may wish to check out Mount & Blade, and it's free
demo.

=======================================================================

'Levitation is for fools. Why would we want to levitate? Once you are
up high, there is nowhere to go but down.'
 
Another feature that was not put into Oblivion, the spell 'Levitate'
was a very helpful spell, which made travelling over mountains and the
landscape easier. The reason it couldn't be implemented was because
the cities are now a seperate cell, unlike Morrowind, and so, if we
had levitate, it would be possible to get out of a city without exiting
the cell, leading the bugs and glitches. Those who wish to further
explore the seperate cells, may be able to jump over city walls using a
large acrobatics skill, and some common sense. Once you do, there will
be no barriers stopping you from entering other provinces such as
Valenwood or Morrowind, however, the scenery will be randomly generated
forests.

=======================================================================

'I don't know why one would want to destroy a building. It takes time
to make it. Much time.'

While initially, I had no idea on what this could mean, a quick
playthrough (and a handy little tidbit from dws90) will tell you that
this is a clear reference to a spell from the Elder Scrolls: Arena,
the mighty "Pass Wall" or "Destroy Wall", as it is fondly called. This
spell, possibly the greatest spell ever implemented in a game,
destroys walls for the convenience of not having to go through mazes.

Alternatively, many players were hoping for destructive and interactive
environments. Thanks go out to CoolGuyClay, tehhooch, jkjhicks,
uandurbigwords, sirchristhompson, blastiid timinator_101, 
frozenlynx731,
dontreadme, and dagonda for telling me this.

=======================================================================

'I have seen dragon. Perhaps you will see a dragon. I won't say where I
saw one. Perhaps I did not.'

So very true, Mr. M'Aiq. Possible reference to the dragon/avatar at the
end of teh game. Clockwork_58 believes it could be a reference to the
Daedric Prince Peryite, who looks like a dragon. Wolf in Exile thinks
it is a reference to the doomstone called "The Dragon Stone", believing
the way he phrased it could be a riddle hinting at it. Others believe
it could be a reference to the Daedroth, who some might consider to be
roughly dragon-linke. psychoWALRUS also believes that this is a
reference to those who wanted dragons in Oblivion, despite it going
against the game lore.

=======================================================================

'Werewolves? Where? Wolves? Men that are wolves? Many wolves.
Everywhere. Many men. That is enough for M'Aiq.'

A possible reference to Bloodmoon, an expansion to Morrowind that
allowed you to become a werewolf, to a rumour that popped up a while
back about a Werewolf who appeared in south-eastern Cyrodiil, and that
people wanted the ability to become a Werewolf in this game.

=======================================================================

'It is good the people wear clothing. M'Aiq wears clothing. Who would
want to see M'Aiq naked? Sick, sick people. Very sad'

Huge thanks to seefour for telling me this quote. I personally
think it might be a joke on the developers part in that they have
models for naked women. There's a mod for the PC that uses them.
Also, it might be a reference to the fact you could wear clothes
under armour in Morrowind, or maybe even that some Morrowind mods
allowed nudity. Another possibility is that it is because you could
strip people down to nothing in Daggerfall.

=======================================================================

'The Gray Fox? You're the most infamous thief in the world!'

This quote occurs when you speak to M'Aiq with the Cowl of Nocturnal
on. It is what everyone else says. Credit goes out to... everyone who
e-mailed me.

=======================================================================

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  [2.03] Information
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The meaning of the name M'Aiq is revealed by Jobasha from Morrowind.
M or Ma means child, apprentice, or virgin. M'Aiq is not a child, and
some might argue that M'Aiq is very intelligent, or not a mage, to be
called an Apprentice, so that will only leave him as a Virgin.

When M'Aiq is not killed, he is knocked unconscious, just like
main quest characters (like Martin). He doesn't have anything to
do with it, I just suppose Bethesda didn't want people killing
their talking cat.

M'Aiq the Liar runs incredibly fast. The only horse that can catch
up to him is Shadowmere, but even then, you will need to be good
at maneouvering on a horse to catch up to him. miguelm has told me
that at 100 athletics and 100 speed, you can very slowly catch up
to M'Aiq. Thank you for that tidbit.

M'Aiq is an NPC that was once in Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. My
guess is that he is making a return because he was one of the
more popular NPCs, ever since there was a site dedicated to him.
In Morrowind, he only provided one truthful bit of information,
while the rest were lies. Now he's "just full of opinions".

The robe and hood that M'Aiq wears are called Tattered Robes/Hoods.
They can be easily confused with Grey Hoods and Robes, which somewhat
resemble them, I guess. guysome tells me that M'Aiq does indeed wear
Tattered Clothing.

Frankier_40 has gone on an epic journey for the Tattered Robes, and
there are four spots where they can be found. The first is on M'Aiq,
the second is on Ma'Raska at teh Clavicus Vile shrine,  the third is
on Ri'Jirr at the Hermaeus Mora shrine, and the last is on sale at
Rindir's Staff's for a very reasonable price.

If you want the Tattered Hood (the only one in the game is worn by
M'Aiq.), than you must exploit the AI. First off, summon a
Bound Helmet, and then get it damaged. Do so by being attacked.
Next, repair the helmet, and then drop it on the ground. Once the
time has expired, pick it up, and it is now permanent. Pickpocket
M'Aiq, and add the helmet to his inventory. Hope he equips the
helmet over his hood. The AI will generally equip their best
equipment. If he does, pickpocket him again, and take the hood
from his inventory. If he doesn't, try getting him into a fight
and seeing if he equips it. Boom. Credit to WhyteScythe.

Sometimes, while talking to M'Aiq, and asking about Rumours, he will
just give your average run of the mill quote (EG: Kvatch, Mudcrabs
etc.). While I'm not exactly sure why this is, I'm going to go out
on a limb and assume it's the time period you've caught him. M'Aiq
has a specific schedule, and I'm guessing you've talked to him
outside of when he searches for calipers.

Speaking of calipers, a good way to talk to M'Aiq is, during the five
hour period where he searches for calipers, drop a (surprise surprise)
caliper. He should run over to it and pick it up. Kitty loves them
calipers.

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  [2.04] Questions
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1. Doesn't maiq make a reference to the past ability in morrowind
   to have clothes under armour and robes above armour? he must
   have any quete for that

2. What is this guys purpose in Oblivion?

3. Where do you find M'Aiq in Morrowind?

4. What does 'Cher' mean?

5. In your guide, you told us to follow him and see what adventures
   we found. What do you mean by that?

---

Q: Doesn't maiq make a reference to the past ability in morrowind
to have clothes under armour and robes above armour? he must have
any quete for that - du-jino

A: Not that I know of, no.

---

Q: What is this guys purpose in Oblivion? - cordyghast

A: Nothing, really. He's just an easter egg for those who've
   played Morrowind.

---

Q: Do you know where to find this guy in Morrowind? - cordyghast

A: Of course I do. He is on a very small island east of Dagon Fel,
   which is in the far north of the map. Do a search on where
   M'Aiq the Liar is, for a more precise direction, and maps. Just
   remember to check every island. M'Aiq has a chair and a fishing
   rod on his island. The Imperial Library in particular have an
   excellent article on Morrowind Easter Eggs, with a list of all
   of M'Aiq's quotes.

---

Q: What does 'Cher' mean? - Frankier40

A: New Zealand slang. Pretty much means "Thank You".

---

Q: In your guide, you told us to follow him and see what adventures
   we found. What do you mean by that? - HackerBlue

A: It's just something to do. You might get into an interesting
   battle, or find M'Aiq trying to destroy a will-o-the-wisp,
   only to get knocked out ten times. After all, M'Aiq is
   kick ass with a silver claymore!

=======================================================================

          [3] Closing Words

=======================================================================

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  [3.01] Acknowledgements
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Basic
-----

You; for reading this guide

Bethesda Softworks; for making the Elder Scrolls series

M'Aiq the Liar; for all his witty comments

Everyone who helped me; for their contributions.

Forum People
------------

BtVSFan; For informing me on what the children quote means

dws90; For informing me on what the building quote means
       And also for telling me the exact Arena spell name

tanaboon; For informing me of a typo

Frankier40; For information on beatiful Khajiit quote

Amazing Alanzi; told me about the hands quote after I updated it
                also told me about the multiplayer quote

dontreadme; for telling me about the buildings quote
            for telling me about the multiplayer quote

dagonda; also for telling me about the buildings quote

trumpetplayer; again, for telling me about the multiplayer quote

Corrupted Ramza; for telling me about the grey hood
 
WhyteScythe; getting the tattered hood

By E-Mail
---------

Frankier_40; for solving the gray robe mystery

CoolGuyClay; for the building quote
             for the children quote

sirchristhompson; buildings quote
                  hands and feet quote

clockwork_58; for the dragon quote

tehhooch; for the building quote

timiator_101; again, the building quote

uandurbigwords; building quote sighted ahead!

blastiid; building quote ahoy

frozenlynx731; and finally, it's... no, it's building quote

Duncan_Clay; also informing me about the grey hood
             and CONFIRMING the bloody thing

jkjhicks; for a typo
 
Wolf in Exile; for the dragon quote

xXJade_DragonxX; for confirming the grey hood

guysome2; information on the grey hood

miguelm; informing me on M'Aiqs speed

psychoWALRUS; dragons quote

seefour; the brand new, clothes quote

214vincent; for e-mailing me the fishy stick link, because I'm too
            lazy to google Fishy Stick >_>

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  [3.02] Copyright
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This may not be reproduced under any circumstances except for personal,
private use. It may not be placed on any web site or otherwise
distributed publicly without advance written permission. Use of this
guide on any other web site or as a part of any public display is
strictly prohibited, and a violation of copyright. The only sites who
may use this document are:

www.gamefaqs.com
www.gamespot.com
www.neoseekers.com
www.supercheats.com

Copright Aaron Craig 2006