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How to Hand Over That Black Soul Gem to Falion in Skyrim: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re looking to cure your vampirism (or maybe Serana’s) and Falion is the key. But for some reason, you’re having trouble getting him that filled black soul gem. Don’t worry, it’s a common hiccup in the Dragonborn’s journey. Here’s the straight dope on how to successfully complete this crucial step.

First, and most importantly, ensure the black soul gem is actually filled. Falion is a meticulous mage and won’t be fooled by an empty gem. You need to trap the soul of a human-like creature, that is a human, elf, or orc. Secondly, your character needs to be in a non-blood-starved state. Once this is accomplished, simply initiate a conversation with Falion. If you have a filled black soul gem in your inventory and are actively seeking a cure for vampirism (or have Serana in tow), the dialogue option to give him the gem should appear. Select that option, and he’ll take the gem, setting the stage for the ritual. Now, let’s dive into some common questions and troubleshooting steps to ensure a smooth experience.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

What if the Dialogue Option Doesn’t Appear?

This is the most frequent issue players face. Here’s a checklist:

Is the Gem Actually Filled?: Double-check your inventory. Select the black soul gem and read its description. It should clearly state which soul it contains (e.g., “Contains the soul of a Bandit”). If it’s empty, you’ll need to find a humanoid target, cast Soul Trap, and slay them.
Is it a Black Soul Gem?: Regular soul gems won’t work. Falion specifically needs a black soul gem. These can be found in necromancer lairs, bought from vendors like Enthir at the College of Winterhold, or crafted yourself at the Atronach Forge.
Are You Too Blood-Starved?: If you’re a vampire in the blood-starved stage, Falion may refuse to help you. Feed on someone (preferably a sleeping victim to avoid detection) to reduce your bloodlust before speaking to him.
Do You Have the Right Quest Active?: Ensure the quest “Rising at Dawn” (if curing yourself) or the relevant Dawnguard quest (if curing Serana) is active in your journal. If the quest isn’t active, Falion won’t recognize your need for the cure.
Glitches and Bugs: Skyrim is notorious for its glitches. Try saving your game, exiting, and reloading. Sometimes, this simple step can reset the dialogue options. If that doesn’t work, try fast traveling away from Morthal and then back. This can sometimes refresh the area and fix dialogue issues.

What Kind of Soul Does Falion Need?

Falion needs a black soul gem filled with a humanoid soul: human, elf, or orc. Animals or creatures don’t count.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Falion and Black Soul Gems

Here are some frequently asked questions.

Why won’t Falion accept my black soul gem if it’s filled with an animal soul?

Falion requires a black soul gem filled with a humanoid soul because he needs the significant energy contained within a sentient being’s soul to perform the vampirism-curing ritual.
How many times can Falion cure me of vampirism?

Falion can cure you of vampirism an unlimited number of times. Each time, you’ll need to provide him with another filled black soul gem and complete the quest steps, including meeting him at the summoning stones.
Can Falion cure Serana of her vampirism?

Yes, Falion can cure Serana of her vampirism after you complete the Dawnguard DLC. Bring her to him in Morthal and follow the same procedure as if you were curing yourself.
Where can I find black soul gems in Skyrim?

Black soul gems can be found in necromancer dungeons, purchased from merchants like Enthir at the College of Winterhold, or created at the Atronach Forge by combining a grand soul gem, a void salt, and a mammoth tusk.
What happens if I accidentally fill a black soul gem with the wrong soul?

Unfortunately, once a soul gem is filled, you can’t empty it through normal gameplay mechanics. You’ll need to find another black soul gem and fill it correctly. If you drop a soul gem on the ground and pick it up, it should become empty.
Is it possible to fill a black soul gem without the Soul Trap spell?

No, the Soul Trap spell is required to capture a soul within a soul gem, including black soul gems. There’s no other way to fill one without using the spell.
What happens if I report Falion to the Jarl?

Reporting Falion to the Jarl will trigger a scene where she confronts him, threatening consequences if he continues his activities. The specifics of the scene depend on which Jarl is in charge of Morthal. This doesn’t prevent you from using his services, but might alter your relationship with him.
How powerful is Falion, really?

Lore-wise, Falion is incredibly powerful, capable of planar travel and curing vampirism. However, in gameplay, he’s surprisingly weak in combat, which is likely an oversight or balance choice by the developers.
Can I buy a filled black soul gem from Falion?

No, Falion doesn’t sell filled black soul gems. He only accepts them as payment for his services. You’ll need to fill them yourself or acquire them from other sources.
What is the strongest soul gem in Skyrim?

A filled black soul gem is generally considered the “strongest” in terms of soul capacity, as it always contains a Grand soul, the highest level of soul possible. Grand soul gems can hold grand souls as well but you need to kill creatures that have grand souls.
Is there a difference between a Grand Soul Gem and a Black Soul Gem?

Yes. A Grand Soul Gem can hold any soul up to the Grand level (animals, creatures, etc.), while a Black Soul Gem can only hold the souls of humanoid NPCs (humans, elves, orcs).
Where can I buy the Soul Trap spell?

The Soul Trap spell can be purchased from various magic vendors, including Falion in Morthal, Phinis Gestor at the College of Winterhold, and other court mages throughout Skyrim.
Can I marry Serana after she’s been cured of vampirism?

Without mods, you cannot marry Serana, regardless of whether she is a vampire or cured. However, numerous mods exist that allow you to marry her, such as the “Marriable Serana” mod.
What if Falion still won’t take my black soul gem after trying everything?

If you’ve exhausted all other troubleshooting steps, it’s possible you’ve encountered a more serious bug. Try using the console commands (if you’re playing on PC) to advance the quest or reset Falion’s dialogue. Searching online forums specific to Skyrim can also provide solutions to rare or obscure glitches.
What are the ethics of using black soul gems in Skyrim?

The ethics of using black soul gems are a matter of personal perspective within the game’s lore. While considered taboo by some due to their association with necromancy and trapping sentient souls, others view them as a practical tool. There are no direct legal repercussions for using them in Skyrim, but NPCs may react negatively if they discover your practices.

Conclusion

Dealing with Falion and black soul gems can be a bit tricky, but by understanding the requirements, troubleshooting common issues, and knowing where to find the necessary resources, you can successfully navigate this part of your Skyrim adventure. Remember to double-check your inventory, ensure your soul gem is properly filled, and don’t be afraid to experiment with saving and reloading if you encounter a bug. Good luck, Dragonborn, and may your journey be free of eternal bloodthirst!

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How do I give Falion the black soul gem?