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Azura’s Star: Nelacar or Aranea? The Ultimate Skyrim Guide

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The age-old question plaguing every budding Skyrim enthusiast: who is best to take Azura’s Star to, Nelacar or Aranea? The short answer: Nelacar and The Black Star is generally considered the “better” choice for most players due to its ability to capture all soul types, including black (humanoid) souls. This versatility makes it significantly more useful for enchanting and recharging weapons. However, the “best” choice truly hinges on your individual playstyle, roleplaying preferences, and tolerance for potential in-game bugs. Let’s delve deeper into the nuances of each option.

Understanding the Artifact: Azura’s Star

First, let’s clarify what Azura’s Star actually is. This Daedric artifact, gifted by the Daedric Prince Azura, is a reusable soul gem. Unlike regular soul gems that are consumed upon use, Azura’s Star can be refilled countless times. This alone makes it an incredibly valuable asset for any character focused on enchanting or maintaining enchanted weapons. However, the type of soul gem it becomes depends on your decision at the end of the associated quest.

Siding with Azura and Aranea Ienith

If you choose to return the broken Azura’s Star to Aranea Ienith at the Shrine of Azura, she will guide you to enter the star and cleanse it of its corruption. Completing this path results in receiving Azura’s Star, which functions as a reusable Grand Soul Gem capable of holding any soul except those of humanoid NPCs (black souls).

Benefits of Choosing Azura’s Star:

Roleplaying Purity: Choosing Azura aligns with a character who values a more traditional, less morally ambiguous path. Azura, while a Daedric Prince, is often considered one of the more “benevolent” among them.
Aranea Ienith as a Follower: Aranea becomes available as a follower after completing the quest. She is a powerful mage with a focus on destruction magic, and she can be a valuable asset in combat.
Consistent Behavior: Azura’s Star functions as intended, capturing only creature souls. This predictability can be appealing to players who dislike potential bugs or unintended consequences.

Drawbacks of Choosing Azura’s Star:

Limited Soul Capturing: The inability to capture black souls significantly limits its usefulness for certain enchanting strategies. Many players rely on black souls for powerful enchantments.
Loss of Black Soul Capturing Advantage: You miss out on the potential benefits of the Black Star’s bug, which allows you to fill it with either white or black souls.

Siding with Nelacar and the Black Star

The alternative path involves taking the broken star to Nelacar in the Frozen Hearth Inn in Winterhold. Nelacar, a former mage of the College of Winterhold, offers to corrupt the star, turning it into the Black Star. This transformed artifact functions as a reusable Grand Soul Gem, but with the crucial difference that it can capture black souls (humanoids).

Benefits of Choosing the Black Star:

Black Soul Capturing: This is the primary advantage. Capturing black souls allows for the creation of the most potent enchantments.
Exploiting the Bug (Historically): Historically, the Black Star was known for a bug that allowed it to capture both white and black souls, making it functionally superior to Azura’s Star.
Pragmatic Choice: From a purely utilitarian perspective, the Black Star offers the greatest power and flexibility.

Drawbacks of Choosing the Black Star:

Moral Implications: Corrupting the star and capturing black souls aligns with a less scrupulous or even evil character. This may clash with your desired roleplaying experience.
Buggy Behavior: It is still possible the Black Star will be buggy.
Combat Encounter: Nelacar is located far away and it might take a while to return Azura’s star.

The Verdict: Context Matters

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your preferences.

For the Power Gamer: The Black Star is generally the preferred choice due to its ability to capture all soul types. The ability to consistently capture black souls for powerful enchantments outweighs the moral implications for many players.
For the Roleplayer: If you’re playing a morally upright character, Azura’s Star is the more consistent and thematically appropriate choice. The benefits of capturing black souls may not outweigh the moral cost.
For the Bug Averse: If you’re playing a character that does not like bugs, Azura’s Star is the more consistent and predictable choice. The black souls may not outweigh the risk.

No matter your choice, both Azura’s Star and the Black Star are valuable assets that will greatly enhance your enchanting capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 FAQs to further clarify the nuances of Azura’s Star and the Black Star:

Can I change Azura’s Star to the Black Star (or vice versa) after completing the quest?

No, once you’ve chosen a path and completed the quest, there’s no way to change the star from one form to the other in-game. Choose wisely!
Is Aranea Ienith a good follower?

Yes, Aranea is a strong mage follower who specializes in destruction magic. She can be a valuable addition to your party, especially early in the game. Enhance her gear appropriately, and she becomes even more competent.
Can I marry Aranea Ienith?

Yes, Aranea is one of the many characters in Skyrim who are eligible for marriage. After completing Azura’s quest, you can propose to her using an Amulet of Mara.
Can I marry Nelacar?

No, despite mods that may change this, Nelacar is not available as a marriage partner in the base game. He remains confined to the Frozen Hearth Inn.
What happens if I take the star to Aranea or Nelacar?

As detailed above, taking the star to Aranea results in Azura’s Star and Aranea as a follower. Taking it to Nelacar results in the Black Star.
What soul gem do humans fill?

Black Soul Gems are required to capture the souls of humanoid NPCs. This is the key difference between Azura’s Star and the Black Star.
Can you empty a soul gem without destroying it?

No, using a soul gem for enchanting or recharging a weapon will destroy the gem unless it’s Azura’s Star or the Black Star. This is what makes these artifacts so valuable.
What happens if I break a soul gem?

If you break a soul gem, the trapped entity is released. This can have unpredictable consequences depending on the creature contained within.
Is Azura considered a “good” Daedric Prince?

Azura is often considered one of the more benevolent Daedric Princes, but she is still a Daedric Prince. Her motivations are complex, and her actions can be both helpful and harmful to mortals.
Is Meridia a good Daedra?

Meridia is another Daedric Prince often viewed as benevolent due to her hatred of undead and necromancers, aligning her goals with the well-being of mortals.
Why is Aranea attacking me?

If Aranea is hostile towards you, it’s likely due to a bounty you have in Winterhold’s jurisdiction. Clearing the bounty should resolve the issue.
Can Aranea be a steward?

No, Aranea cannot be a steward for your homestead. Her devotion to Azura and her duties at the shrine take precedence.
Is Azura’s Star worth it?

Absolutely. Regardless of whether you choose Azura’s Star or the Black Star, having a reusable soul gem is invaluable for enchanting and weapon maintenance. It’s a worthwhile quest reward.
What are soul gems used for?

Soul gems are primarily used for two purposes: enchanting weapons and armor at an Arcane Enchanter, and recharging enchanted weapons when their charge is depleted.
What is the soul gem that never breaks?

Azura’s Star (and the Black Star) are Daedric Artifacts that function as reusable soul gems. They are not consumed upon use, making them incredibly valuable.

We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you make an informed decision about what to do with Azura’s Star. Remember, there is no objectively “right” or “wrong” choice – the best path is the one that aligns with your character and playstyle. Happy adventuring! To explore more about the fascinating world of gaming and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.