How to Make Black Soul Gems in Oblivion

Black Soul Gems are magical items in Oblivion. Unlike regular Soul Gems, you can use Black Soul Gems to trap the souls of higher races, such as men, elves, Argonians, Khajiit and Dremora. You discover the rituals necessary to create Black Soul Gems during the Mages Guild quest Necromancer's Moon. However, it's not necessary to complete that quest to create Black Soul Gems. These steps can help you create your own.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Empty grand soul gems
• Soul trap spell or scroll

1. Head to Dark Fissure, Fort Istirus, Fort Linchal or Wendelbek.
2. Wait for the Shade of the Revenant (a purple light) to shine down on the altar. The Shade of the Revenant actually occurs every 8 days starting with the first day of the month.
3. Place your Grand Soul Gems in the alter and strike it with your Soul Trap spell once for each gem placed inside the altar.
4. Open the altar and retrieve your Black Soul Gems.

Tips & Warnings

• Stand a good distance away from the altar while waiting for the purple light. It's difficult to see if you are too close to the altar.
• It's possible to use filled Grand Soul Gems to create Black Soul Gems. However, you have to have filled them yourself. Purchased ones or ones you found already filled don't work.