Black Soul Gem (Oblivion)

Black Soul Gems are a special type of Soul Gem that, unlike conventional ones, can contain both black and white souls. Black souls are those of sentient, humanoid beings such as Imperials, Argonians, and Dremora, while white souls are those of animals and certain lesser Daedra. All black souls are of the Grand level. Since Hannibal Traven was appointed head of the Mages Guild, the practice of Necromancy has been banned&mdash;and, along with it, the use of Black Soul Gems.

Black Soul Gems can be found randomly on Necromancers, as well as in chests. They are considered evil, as they are evidence of wrongdoing in the quest Cheydinhal Recommendation. To create one, the player must take a Grand Soul Gem to an altar at Dark Fissure, Fort Istirius, Fort Linchal, or Wendelbek on the day of the Revenant Shade. This occurs every seven days, starting on the first day of play. An astral beam of light will fall onto the altar at night, lighting it for all the world to find. Once a Grand Soul Gem has been placed in the altar and a Soul Trap spell cast on the altar, it will be transformed into a Black Soul Gem.