the_phew

I investigated this issue further. Increasing my Cruel disposition via console had no effect. HOWEVER, when I added a second story companion to my party besides Maneha (Eder in this case), then I was given the opportunity to sacrifice either Eder or Maneha. I don't know whether the issue occurs due to having only one story companion or if it's specific to only having Maneha, but it seems like a bug either way.

I am running v3.05. I am attempting to sacrifice Maneha to the Blood Pool in Dyrford Ruins, and I have a save prior to first interacting with it (so I can keep trying different dialog options). I have 1 Cruel disposition. When I interact with the Blood Pool, every dialog branch eventually ends with "I'm sorry you have nothing for me, Watcher" or similar. AFAIK, the only requirements to conduct a sacrifice are having 1 Cruel disposition and having at least one 'story' companion in your party, and I meet both. I'll attach a save game when I get home, but does the Blood Pool have other requirements than I am missing? Thanks

My fighter Tank uses Vigorous Defense, which is usually enough to resist most charms/dominates. With my squishies, I usually just go one-shot them with my Tidefall-wielding Barbarian and them quickly resurrect them with a Paladin or Priest spell. It's definitely the fastest way if you don't have a Cipher in your party. Downside is that you usually have to rest after every dominate fight to recover all the health loss. I also made sure everyone's secondary weapon was a plain hunting bow, so they couldn't hurt anyone while dominated.