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The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Hints

Where all can I get empty grand soul gems?

  • 1 of 9: Characters who are level 11 or higher can find them in random loot in many places, and level 12+ characters can randomly find them in the inventories of alchemy and enchanter shops. See the Misc. Tips for a way to deal with the randomness of shop inventories.
  • 2 of 9: Read on for some fixed locations for empty grand soul gems.
  • 3 of 9: Most Mages Guilds have item-selling guys who will have one in inventory no matter what level you are.
  • 4 of 9: This includes Felen Relas in Anvil, Ardaline in Bravil, Selena Orania in Bruma, Eilonwy in Cheydinhal, Angalmo in Chorrol, and Alves Uvenim in Leyawiin.
  • 5 of 9: Calindil also has one for sale in his "Mystic Emporium" shop in the Imperial City's Market District.
  • 6 of 9: You can take one empty grand soul gem from the display case in the Arcane University's tower lobby, one from the display case in the Arcane University's Mage Quarters (once you have access to that area), and two more from display cases in the Chorrol Mages Guild. It's not even counted as stealing if you're a Mages Guild member, though you'll have to lockpick the case in the tower lobby on the sly.
  • 7 of 9: You can also nab one from the basement lab in Drakelowe at location 49 on the Nibenay map. (The trap door to the basement is in the unlit fireplace.)
  • 8 of 9: However, if you plan to do a lot of enchanting with grand soul gems, you should do Azura's Daedric Shrine Quest to get her special reusable grand soul gem so you can save all the regular ones for the vampire cure quest or conversion into black soul gems (if you're ever going to do either of those).
  • 9 of 9: NOTE: Any grand soul gem that was empty when you got it will do for the vampire cure quest and black soul gem conversion, even if you've captured a soul into the gem. However, grand soul gems that you find with souls already in them won't do since they're technically a different type of item.