If you’ve ever walked the snow-drenched paths of Skyrim and thought, “I wish I had a soul-sucking spiked war mace forged by a god of domination,” then you, dear Dragonborn, are in luck.
The Mace of Molag Bal is not just another Daedric weapon—it’s the Daedric weapon for anyone leaning into the dark side of Tamriel’s morality scale. Heavy, brutal, and soaked in lore, this unholy mace delivers serious punishment and drips with dread.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get the Mace of Molag Bal, dive into its dark backstory, and give you tips on how to wield it like the fearsome Warden of Oblivion you were meant to be.
The Lore: Who is Molag Bal?
To understand the Mace, you need to understand the twisted deity behind it. Molag Bal is one of the seventeen Daedric Princes of Oblivion. He’s the Daedric Prince of Domination and Enslavement of Mortals, known for his desire to assert control over mortals through fear, corruption, and suffering.
Molag Bal is also the creator of vampires in the Elder Scrolls universe. He turned the first mortal into a vampire, cementing his legacy as a master of domination and undeath.
How to Get the Mace of Molag Bal
Step 1: Go to Markarth
To kick off this sinister quest, you need to visit Markarth, the city built into the cliffs of The Reach.
- Once there, talk to a man named Vigilant Tyranus.
- He’ll be standing outside an abandoned house, rambling about a dark presence.
- Agree to help him investigate. This begins the quest: “The House of Horrors.”
Step 2: Explore the Abandoned House
As you enter, things start to get… creepy. The house is filled with strange noises, objects flying, and disembodied voices. Welcome to one of Skyrim’s spookiest side quests.
- Follow Tyranus through the house.
- Eventually, he’ll be possessed by Molag Bal and attack you. Defeat him.
Now, Molag Bal will speak directly to you through a rusted, terrifying shrine. He wants your help.
Pro Tip: Save often during this quest—it’s not difficult, but the moral implications may tempt you to reload.
Step 3: Find and Trap Logrolf the Willful
Molag Bal wants revenge on a priest of Boethiah named Logrolf the Willful. Your task is to:
- Track Logrolf down. He’s usually imprisoned by Forsworn near Broken Tower Redoubt.
- Free him and convince him to return to the house.
Fun Fact: You can persuade Logrolf or just lead him with the promise of freedom. Either way, he ends up back at the shrine.
Step 4: Break Logrolf’s Will
Once back in the house, Molag Bal traps Logrolf and gives you one final, chilling command:
“Crush him.”
You must use a rusty mace to beat Logrolf into submission, breaking his will so he pledges allegiance to Molag Bal. Once he submits, Molag Bal kills him himself—and rewards you with the fully-powered Mace of Molag Bal.
Congratulations, you’ve just completed one of Skyrim’s darkest quests.
Mace of Molag Bal: Stats and Perks
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Base Damage | 16 |
| Weight | 18 |
| Base Value | 1250 gold |
| Enchantment | Drains 25 stamina and magicka per hit; traps soul if target dies within 3 seconds |
| Type | One-Handed Mace (Heavy Weapon) |
Why It’s Awesome:
- Soul Trap effect makes it ideal for filling soul gems.
- Magicka + Stamina Drain can quickly cripple spellcasters and melee enemies alike.
- Doesn’t require recharging often due to the soul trap refilling it constantly.
Combat Tips for the Mace of Molag Bal
- Use Against Mages: Draining magicka makes it incredibly effective against necromancers and wizards.
- Pair With Soul Gem Farming: Combine it with a bow for ranged kills, then switch to the mace for the finishing blow.
- Enchant Your Gear for More Power: Stack Fortify One-Handed to boost its already devastating power.
Final Thoughts: Power With a Price
The Mace of Molag Bal is one of the most thematically rich and rewarding Daedric artifacts in Skyrim. From its spine-tingling questline to its soul-harvesting gameplay benefits, it represents everything that makes Skyrim’s Daedric weapons unforgettable.
So if you’re looking to add a little darkness to your Dragonborn’s tale, or just want to terrorize bandit camps with a spiked soul trap, look no further.
Molag Bal is always watching. And now? You’re holding his wrath in your hands.
