The Black Star

The Lure of Azura

On your journey throughout Skyrim, you can speak to many a barkeep (such as Hulda in Whiterun) and gain much from their scuttlebutt (Miscellaneous Objectives: Innkeepers). Ask for rumors until you’re told of the Shrine of Azura; the Dark Elves are said to have built it after they fled from Morrowind. It’s certainly a sight to see. Check your map marker now.

At the top of the snow-covered steps under the Shrine of Azura, a single Dunmer priestess named Aranea is praying. Speak to her, and she says your visit here was destined. Agree to help, and Aranea gives you a rather cryptic message: You’re to find an elven man who came to her in a vision, one who can “turn the brightest star as black as night.” She suggests you look for this enchanter in Winterhold.

Descend into Winterhold, and start talking to the townsfolk. Speak with Colette, Dagur, Drevis, Faralda, Mirabelle, Nirya, Phinis, Tolfdir, or Sergius; they all point to an elderly elven wizard who lives inside the Frozen Hearth Inn. Enter the building, and attempt the following:

• (Persuade) Inform him that a priestess of Azura sent you.
• (Bribe) Pay him for his information.
• (Intimidate) Pressure him into talking. When you reach Level 6 or higher, this is an easy test to complete.

When you’re successful, Nelacar begins to explain about Azura’s Star. Unlike a regular Soul Gem, the Star allows any number of souls to pass through it. Nelacar discovered this the hard way while working for his master, Malyn Varen, who was experimenting with the artifact in the hope of preserving his soul and allowing him to escape his disease-ridden body. The power of the Star slowly made Malyn paranoid and impulsive (although Nelacar believes Azura was responsible for that), resulting in the deaths of several students and Malyn’s banishment from the College to a place called Ilinalta’s Deep.

Deep in Undeath

Locate the ruined fort known as Ilinalta’s Deep, and enter via the trapdoor at the top of the sunken turret. Begin trekking through the soggy interior catacombs, brandishing your best skeleton-culling weapons. You face intermittent attacks from necromancers—the remnants of Malyn’s students. Follow the waterlogged corridors and gloomy altars and alcoves until you reach a large spiral staircase.

Climb the spiral stairs to the final resting place of Malyn Varen. Among the gold and grimoires, locate Azura’s Star, which appears to be broken. Escape the Deep via the ladder in Varen’s death chamber.

• Broken Azura’s Star

OR

A Star of Dark or Brightness

The quest now has two possible conclusions: A communion with Azura or a chat with an old elf enchanter.

A Communion with Azura

You can journey back to the Shrine of Azura and speak with Aranea. When the Star is placed on the altar, the daedra speaks, congratulating you on locating it but warning that the artifact is useless until Malyn Varen’s soul has been purged from it. Azura offers to send you into the Star to deal with Malyn directly.

Chat with an Old Elf Enchanter

Or you can journey back to the Frozen Hearth Inn and speak to Nelacar. After examining the Star, Nelacar discovers that Malyn Varen’s soul is trapped inside. He says he can repair the Star, transforming it into a vessel that stores black souls. But first, Malyn must be purged from the device; you must be soul-trapped to deal with Malyn directly.

No matter which of the two paths you choose, your personage is spirited away into the strange ethereal otherworld of the Star.

After telling Malyn that he cannot escape his fate, run after him. He conjures up to three Dremora and attacks with lightning from his potent staff. Quickly nullify the enemies, and then strike down Malyn. As Malyn crumples, your spirit is transported back to Skyrim.

Malyn Varen’s soul has been consigned to Oblivion. You are ready to receive an offering from either Lady Azura or Nelacar. In addition, if you’re at the Shrine of Azura, you may speak with Aranea Ienith again. With her guardianship at an end, she offers to accompany you as a Follower, if you’ll agree to it.

Quest Conclusion (Azura)

• Azura’s Star
• Follower: Aranea Ienith

Quest Conclusion (Nelacar)

• The Black Star

Postquest Activities

The person (Nelacar or Aranea) you didn’t side with has some harsh words with you, if you meet up with them again. Aranea obviously won’t become your Follower if you side with Nelacar.