The Black Star is one possible reward for The Black Star quest in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. It is the alternative to Azura's Star, a Daedric artifact of the Daedric Prince Azura. The Black Star counts toward the Oblivion Walker achievement/trophy.
Obtaining
Bringing the Broken Azura's Star to Nelacar instead of Aranea Ienith, and subsequently removing Malyn Varen's soul from the item, grants the Dragonborn with this Soul Gem-like Daedric artifact.
Function
The Black Star is a reusable Black Soul Gem. As such it has ability to store black souls, or those of sentient beings, which are always of the Grand level. Like other soul gems, it can only hold one soul at a time. Unlike other soul gems, The Black Star is not destroyed after its contents are used; it is simply emptied and can be filled with another trapped soul. When trapping souls, any compatible soul gem in the inventory will be used before The Black Star.
When combined with any effective soul-capturing weapon, such as the Mace of Molag Bal, The Black Star provides an endless supply of grand-level souls for enchanting and recharging items. While Nelacar claims The Black Star can house only black souls, it can actually hold souls of any type, like standard Black Soul Gems. Considering the abundance of enemies with black souls and the scarcity of enemies with grand-level white souls, The Black Star is recommended over Azura's Star for players who want to develop the enchanting skill with alacrity.
Appearances
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Template:1st