Introduction
Black soul gems are powerful items used in the game to trap the souls of black creatures, which can be used to enchant items, recharge artifacts, and even create powerful spells. However, filling a black soul gem can be challenging without proper guidance. In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide on how to fill a black soul gem, including tips on capturing the best creatures, maximizing their economic value, navigating the moral implications of their use, and unlocking their secrets in the game.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filling a Black Soul Gem
Before capturing a black soul, you need to have a black soul gem, which can be found in various locations in the game or bought from merchants. To fill the gem, you need to have a weapon enchanted with the soul trap spell or use a soul trap spell scroll.
Once you have the materials, find a black creature to capture whose soul corresponds to the size of your gem. For instance, a larger creature like a mammoth requires a grand soul gem, while a smaller one like a mudcrab requires a lesser one. Approach the creature before it dies, and use the enchanted weapon or scroll to trap its soul.
The Best Creatures to Capture for a Black Soul Gem
Not all creatures have black souls, so it’s essential to know which ones do. The best creatures to capture are vampires, Draugr Deathlords, Falmer Nightprowlers, and Dremora Lords. These creatures all have a grand soul, which can fill any size of soul gem, including black souls. However, capturing them can be challenging, as they are highly skilled combatants.
Another alternative is to capture humanoid creatures like bandits, Thalmor agents, or necromancers. They have black souls, which can fill a black soul gem, but not a grand one. The drawback, though, is that they are likely to be hostile to the player, making their capture a risky proposition.
Comparing Black Soul Gems to Other Types of Soul Gems
Black soul gems differ from other types of gems in their capacity to hold black souls, which are unique in the game. The souls of humanoid characters cannot be trapped in other types of soul gems.
Additionally, black soul gems are essential in the game’s overall economy as they are valued higher than other types of soul gems and fill enchantments that yield a higher amount in profit. As such, black soul gems are ideal for filling grand-level enchantments, which in turn, can drive up the value of items enchanted with said enchantments.
Filling Black Soul Gems for Profit
Filled black soul gems can be sold for a substantial amount of gold to merchants in the game or traded for valuable items. However, to gain the most profit, it’s essential to know which merchants have the highest prices and how to negotiate effectively. Careful attention should also be paid to the merchants’ preferences, and you should be aware of how they prefer to be addressed.
However, relying on black soul gems for income can be perilous. The more frequently one uses black soul gems, the more guards and other NPCs become suspicious. This suspicion leads to a higher chance of getting caught and punished, thus putting a damper on your potential profits.
Black Soul Gems and the Morality of Their Use
The use of black soul gems raises a complex moral dilemma for players. While the game mechanics present the capture and use of souls as a necessary process for progression, some players may find this mechanic to be at odds with their personal beliefs.
It is important to note that not all characters in the game approve of the use of black soul gems. If players attempt to sell or use items that have been enchanted with suspicious gems, they may be confronted by hostile characters.
Unlocking the Secrets of Black Soul Gems
Black soul gems have unlockable mechanics and features that can make them very valuable to the player’s progress. For instance, some dragon priests like Krosis and Vokun will only relinquish their masks if the player has a black soul gem on hand. Other quests, like the one given by Neloth at the Tel Mithryn, require black soul gems to complete.
Conclusion
Filling a black soul gem requires patience and strategy. It is essential to find the right creature, have the proper materials, and be mindful of economic, moral, and secret considerations. By following our guide, players can fill black soul gems with optimum efficiency while navigating the game’s complexity. It’s our hope that you found this guide helpful, and we welcome your comments and personal tips on filling black soul gems.
