Trap the Soul

{{Infobox-spell Although this essentially 'kills' the target, it is not a Death effect and functions on creatures such as Undead but not most Constructs. This spell requires a Khyber Dragonshard as a special material component. It is often helpful to cast Enervation on a target before casting Trap the Soul to reduce the creature's saving throw.
 * name          = Trap the Soul
 * level         = 8
 * icon		= sp trapthesoul selector.png
 * school		= Conjuration
 * type1		=
 * type2		=
 * type3		=
 * type4		=
 * artificer	=
 * bard		=
 * cleric		=
 * druid		=
 * favored soul	=
 * paladin	=
 * ranger		=
 * sor n wiz	= 8
 * warlock       = 6
 * cost		= 45
 * components	= {{V}}, {{S}}, {{M}}: Khyber Dragonshard
 * metamagic	= {{Enlarge}}, {{Heighten}}, {{Quicken}}
 * range		= Standard
 * target		= Foe
 * duration	= Instantaneous
 * save		= Will save negates
 * sr		= Yes
 * cooldown	= 10 seconds (Wiz), 8 seconds (Sor)
 * description	= Forces a creature's life force and its material body into a gem on a failed Will save.
 * notes         =
 * Since Update 34 this spell no longer bypasses death ward.

Material Components

 * As of Update 50 requires a standalone special component called a Khyber Dragonshard that is found in shops wherever high quality spell components may be found. Update 54 also removed the Hit Die related variants and the spell only produces the standard gems.

Note that items with the Trap the Soul (item enchantment) don't need the material component.

Hireling
Grobbin Halfhitch, level 21 wizard hireling can cast trap the soul. Available from epic hireling vendors.

Soul Gem distribution notice
When in a group the soul gems you create by using this spell can be picked up by any member of the party. This should be considered before using this relatively expensive spell.