how to get black soul gems oblivion

Table of Contents

Introduction
The Nature of Black Soul Gems
Acquisition Method I: The Altar of Despair
Acquisition Method II: The Mages Guild Recommendation Quest
Acquisition Method III: Enemies and Loot
The Art of Trapping Souls: Spells and Weapons
Strategic Uses and Ethical Considerations
Conclusion

Within the shadowed lore of Tamriel, few artifacts carry the ominous weight of the Black Soul Gem. In the province of Cyrodiil, during the events of *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion*, these crystals represent the pinnacle of necromantic power, capable of capturing the most precious and damned of essences: the souls of sentient mortals. For adventurers and mages delving into the arcane, understanding how to procure these gems is a crucial, if dark, skill. This guide details the primary methods to obtain Black Soul Gems, the tools required to use them, and the profound implications of wielding such power.

The distinction between common soul gems and Black Soul Gems is fundamental. Petty, lesser, common, greater, and grand soul gems can only trap the souls of creatures—from lowly rats to mighty daedra. Black Soul Gems, however, are the sole vessels capable of containing what are classified as "black souls," those belonging to humans, elves, and other intelligent humanoid races. This capability is not a natural property of the gem but a result of a profound metaphysical transgression. The practice was engineered by the King of Worms, Mannimarco, who twisted the laws of magic to redirect these souls from their destined afterlife, often to the realm of Molag Bal. In Oblivion, standard soul gems cannot perform this function, making the black variants uniquely powerful and morally fraught.

The most direct and guaranteed method to acquire a Black Soul Gem involves a pilgrimage to a remote and sinister location: the Altar of Despair. This Daedric shrine lies to the west of the Imperial City, nestled in the foothills of the Jerall Mountains. The altar itself is a grotesque formation of bone and flesh. To conduct the ritual, the Dragonborn must possess a Grand Soul Gem filled with a grand-level soul, such as that from a Minotaur Lord or a Storm Atronach. Presenting this filled gem at the altar triggers a transformation. The altar consumes the grand soul and, in a flash of corrupting energy, transmutes the Grand Soul Gem into an empty Black Soul Gem. This process perfectly encapsulates the essence of the craft: a great natural soul is sacrificed to create a vessel for a far greater, unnatural purpose.

An alternative and repeatable source emerges during the Mages Guild recommendation quest for the Cheydinhal chapter. The quest, "A Shadow Over Hackdirt," leads the hero to investigate the strange village of Hackdirt. Deep within its cavernous "Deepening" system, adventurers will encounter and likely combat several necromancers. Among their remains, one can often find Black Soul Gems as loot. While not an infinite supply, this provides an early-game opportunity to secure one or two gems without requiring the immediate use of a filled Grand Soul Gem. Exploring other necromancer lairs, such as Fort Linchal or various Ayleid ruins occupied by conjurers, can also yield these gems, though the Hackdirt source is uniquely tied to a specific, accessible quest.

Beyond dedicated quests and altars, Black Soul Gems can occasionally be found in the possession of powerful necromancers and conjurers scattered across Cyrodiil. High-level undead or daedric servants may also carry them. While farming these enemies is an unreliable method for consistent acquisition, it serves as a potential bonus for those who regularly purge evil from ancient ruins and occult fortresses. Thoroughly looting the chambers of master necromancers after a difficult battle is always a prudent practice, as their studies often require these dark tools.

Possessing the gem is only half the endeavor; one must also master the art of soul trapping. To capture a black soul, the caster must employ a Soul Trap spell or enchantment on a humanoid target before delivering the killing blow. Spells can be purchased from conjuration trainers or designed at the Arcane University's spell-making altar, allowing for customization of duration and magnitude. More conveniently, weapons can be enchanted with the Soul Trap effect. This ensures that any strike from the weapon, provided the target dies within the effect's duration and the caster has an appropriate empty gem, will capture the soul. A common strategy is to enchant a swift, light weapon with a one-second Soul Trap effect, which is sufficient and magicka-efficient. It is critical to remember that the Black Soul Gem must be empty and in the caster's inventory at the moment of the target's death.

The primary use for filled Black Soul Gems is the enchantment of weapons, armor, and apparel. A grand-level black soul provides the most potent charge for any enchantment, rivaled only by souls like the Golden Saint. This makes them invaluable for creating supremely powerful gear. From a strategic standpoint, they are the most reliable source of grand souls, as human adversaries are more readily found than certain rare creatures. However, their use is not without consequence. Engaging in this practice aligns the user with the darkest arts of necromancy, drawing the ire of institutions like the Mages Guild (which officially bans necromancy) and potentially affecting the player's moral standing. Furthermore, lore suggests the act eternally damns the captured soul, a weighty role-playing consideration.

Securing Black Soul Gems in Oblivion is a journey into the heart of the game's moral and magical complexity. Whether through the deliberate sacrifice at the Altar of Despair, plunder from necromantic foes, or opportunistic discovery, each method carries its own narrative and strategic implications. Mastering the accompanying skills of Soul Trap and enchantment unlocks the highest tiers of personal power. Yet, this power comes at a tangible cost, forcing the player to confront the ethical boundaries of their actions in Cyrodiil. The pursuit of Black Soul Gems, therefore, is more than a mere gameplay mechanic; it is a defining choice between pragmatic power and the preservation of one's own soul in a world rife with temptation and shadow.

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