Conjuration Ritual Spell is the master-level Conjuration quest at the College of Winterhold, in Winterhold. Phinis Gestor can teach spells that bind creatures to you far more permanently, but to inscribe them he needs a sigil stone from an Oblivion gate. Since he has no wish to be hurt fetching one, the job of bullying a Daedra into getting it falls to you.
How to start
- Requirement: a Conjuration skill of 90.
- By that point you will normally have worked through the Expert-level Conjuration spells (Phinis is the College’s Conjuration teacher); the master quest is what unlocks the tier above them. The source only names the skill level as the actual requirement.
- Ask Phinis Gestor what else can be learned about Conjuration magic. He explains the plan and teaches you the Summon Unbound Dremora spell.
Walkthrough
Go to the roof of the Hall of Attainment
Phinis has prepared a spot at the top of the Hall of Attainment. The summoning spell only works in a place made ready for it, so cast it there.
Summon and subdue the Unbound Dremora
The Dremora is not a loyal summon: it arrives angry and attacks you no matter what you say. You need to beat it twice, re-summoning it after each defeat. Let each round of dialogue play out before fighting, because a Dremora killed without being spoken to (or whose soul you trap) may not come back. On the third summoning it finally submits; order it to bring you a sigil stone.
Combat advice:
- Daedra are weak to shock, so lightning spells, shock-enchanted weapons and the Storm Call shout shorten the fight.
- The Dremora prefers melee. A follower or your own summons, such as a Flame Atronach or a Dremora Lord, make good distractions while you attack from range.
- Banish Daedra and Expel Daedra only drain its health instead of removing it, and bound weapons with Oblivion Binding do not banish it either.
- Unrelenting Force can throw it off the tower, which ends that round at once, though it has been known to survive the fall and wander off.
Collect the sigil stone
Summon the Dremora once more. It hands over the stone, remarking that Mehrunes Dagon will not be pleased about the loss.
Deliver the stone to Phinis
Bring the sigil stone to Phinis Gestor. He only needs to study it briefly, then returns it to you along with your reward.
Rewards
- Flame Thrall spell tome
- The sigil stone (returned to you)
- Phinis now sells the other master thrall spells, such as Frost Thrall and Storm Thrall, for a hefty price. These thralls do not expire.
Tips and notes
- Place the sigil stone on the pedestal of the Atronach Forge in the Midden beneath the College to unlock crafting of Daedric arms and armour and Daedra hearts.
- At high level you may be able to loot Daedric weapons from the Dremora’s body before it vanishes.
- Trapping its soul in a Black Soul Gem does not break the quest.
- Keep followers from attacking before the Dremora finishes talking, and avoid summoning it during a dragon attack; both can make it impossible to summon again.
- The Dremora stays at the College afterwards.
