where to get soul gems oblivion remastered

Table of Contents

Introduction
Types of Soul Gems
Common Acquisition Methods
Strategic Locations and Notable Vendors
The Role of the Mages Guild and Enchanting
Ethical Considerations and Advanced Tactics
Conclusion

The world of Tamriel is a tapestry woven with magic, and at the heart of its most potent arcane arts lies the soul gem. In the realm of Cyrodiil, as explored in *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion*, these crystalline vessels are not mere trinkets but fundamental tools for any aspiring mage, enchanter, or adventurer. The quest for power, the need to recharge magical items, and the pursuit of the enchanting craft all hinge upon one crucial question: where to get soul gems? This guide delves into the myriad sources, from common merchants to treacherous dungeons, providing a comprehensive roadmap for securing these essential artifacts in the remastered experience of Oblivion.

Soul gems are categorized by their capacity, which dictates the size of the soul they can hold. Petty, Lesser, Common, Greater, and Grand Soul Gems form the standard hierarchy. Empty soul gems are inert vessels, while filled ones contain the captured essence of a creature. The most powerful, the Grand Soul Gem, is typically required for the finest enchantments, often filled with the soul of a mighty Daedra or troll. A unique variant, the Azura's Star or The Black Star, acts as a reusable grand soul gem, representing the pinnacle of such artifacts. Understanding this classification is the first step in targeting the correct gems for one's needs, as a petty gem will not hold a grand soul, making strategic acquisition paramount.

The most straightforward method to obtain soul gems is through purchase. General goods merchants and alchemy shops in cities like the Imperial City's Market District often carry a limited supply of petty and lesser gems. For a more specialized and reliable inventory, one must seek out magical vendors. Mystic Emporium in the Imperial City, owned by Phintias, is a prime destination. Similarly, the various Mages Guild halls across Cyrodiil, particularly the headquarters in the Imperial City's Arcane University, have dedicated traders who stock a wider array of empty soul gems, including the coveted greater and grand varieties, albeit at a significant price.

Beyond commerce, the dungeons and wilds of Cyrodiil are fertile ground for discovery. Soul gems, both empty and pre-filled, can be found as loot on defeated necromancers, conjurers, and will-o-the-wisps. They rest on shelves in ancient Ayleid ruins, hide in chests within bandit caves, and are sometimes prizes for completing quests. Specific locations yield notable hauls. The Ayleid ruin of Vindasel, southwest of Bruma, is renowned for containing several grand soul gems. The quest "A Venerable Vintage" for the merchant Ormil in the Imperial City directly rewards a filled grand soul gem. Furthermore, certain creatures, like the ethereal Gloom Wraiths found in dark places, are guaranteed to carry soul gems upon their defeat.

The Mages Guild serves as the central hub for all scholarly magical pursuits, and its connection to soul gems is profound. Advancement through the Guild's ranks, particularly gaining access to the Arcane University, unlocks the ability to purchase grand soul gems from vendors and, most importantly, to use the Altars of Enchanting. Here, the true purpose of filled soul gems is realized. Enchanting allows the permanent imbuing of weapons, armor, and apparel with magical effects, with the power and charge of the enchantment directly determined by the size and quality of the soul used. The Guild also provides access to the "Soul Trap" spell, an essential tool for filling empty gems, which can be purchased from spell vendors within any guild hall.

The acquisition and use of soul gems are not without ethical dimension, a nuance that deepens the gameplay. Capturing a soul, even that of a beast, is a weighty act. The reusable Daedric artifact Azura's Star, obtained through the eponymous quest, presents a moral choice: to purify it for use with any soul, or to corrupt it for use only with the black souls of sentient beings, becoming the Black Star. This choice reflects a player's alignment. For efficient filling, targeting specific creatures is key: Scamps for petty souls, Zombies for lesser, Ogrims for greater, and Xivilai or Minotaurs for grand souls. Mastering the Soul Trap spell's duration and ensuring a gem of adequate size is in the inventory before the kill are marks of a proficient enchanter.

Securing a steady supply of soul gems is a cornerstone of mastery in Oblivion. From the humble petty gem bought in a sleepy county town to the grand soul torn from a Daedroth in a fiery Oblivion Gate, each vessel represents potential power. The journey involves engaging with the economy, braving forgotten ruins, advancing in scholarly guilds, and making calculated choices. Whether one seeks to create a devastating weapon of flame, a suit of armor that muffles all sound, or simply keep a favorite enchanted blade charged for the next battle, knowing where to get soul gems transforms an adventurer into an archmage. In the remastered lands of Cyrodiil, this knowledge remains as valuable as the gems themselves.

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