Can you empty soul gems in Oblivion?
In the vast and intricate world of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, soul gems play a crucial role in the gameplay. These magical containers hold the souls of various creatures, which can be used to increase a player’s attribute levels. However, many players often wonder if it is possible to empty soul gems completely, leaving them devoid of any souls. In this article, we will explore the possibility of emptying soul gems in Oblivion and the implications it may have on the game.
Soul gems are essential for leveling up attributes in Oblivion. By filling a soul gem with the souls of creatures that match the attribute you wish to increase, you can raise that attribute’s level. For example, if you want to increase your strength, you would fill a soul gem with the souls of creatures that have high strength values. This process is known as soul trapping, and it is a fundamental aspect of Oblivion’s leveling system.
The question of whether you can empty soul gems in Oblivion is a topic of much debate among players. Some believe that it is possible to remove all souls from a soul gem, while others argue that it is not. To shed light on this matter, let’s examine the mechanics of soul gems and soul trapping in Oblivion.
Soul gems have a finite capacity to hold souls. The number of souls a soul gem can hold depends on its size. A small soul gem can hold up to 20 souls, a medium soul gem can hold up to 50 souls, and a large soul gem can hold up to 100 souls. When a soul gem is full, it cannot hold any more souls until it is emptied or refilled.
The act of soul trapping involves filling a soul gem with the souls of creatures. Once a soul is trapped, it cannot be removed from the soul gem. This means that once a soul is trapped, it becomes a permanent part of the soul gem’s contents. Therefore, based on the mechanics of soul trapping, it is not possible to empty a soul gem completely by removing the trapped souls.
However, there is a workaround that can give the illusion of emptying a soul gem. By using the “Clear” spell on a soul gem, you can remove all souls from the gem, rendering it empty. This spell is available as a spellbook entry in the game and can be learned by any character. When you cast the “Clear” spell on a soul gem, it will remove all souls, and the gem will appear empty. However, it is important to note that this is not a true emptying of the soul gem, as the souls are not destroyed; they are simply removed from the gem.
In conclusion, while it is not possible to empty soul gems in Oblivion by removing the trapped souls, you can make a soul gem appear empty by using the “Clear” spell. This workaround can be useful for players who want to use a soul gem for other purposes or who simply want to see the gem without any souls inside. Nonetheless, it is essential to understand that the souls are not truly removed from the soul gem, and they can still be trapped again in the future.
