Can You Reclaim Your Fangs? Vampirism After a Cure in Skyrim
Yes, adventurer, you absolutely can become a vampire again after being cured in Skyrim. Unlike lycanthropy (werewolfism), which locks you out of vampirism if you embrace the beast form first, the path to and from vampiric existence is more of a revolving door. You can cure yourself and contract the disease again as many times as you’re willing to go through the process. Think of it like a particularly nasty cold – annoying, but ultimately curable… and catchable again. Now, let’s delve into the shadowy details.
Understanding Vampirism in Skyrim
Vampirism in Skyrim is a unique and often challenging experience. It grants incredible powers but also comes with significant drawbacks. Before we dive into the “how,” let’s briefly recap what it means to be a vampire in the land of the Nords.
The initial stage of vampirism is contracted through the disease Sanguinare Vampiris. Left untreated, this disease progresses over three days, eventually transforming you into a full-fledged vampire. As a vampire, you gain resistance to diseases and poison, become stronger in the dark, and can use vampiric powers like Vampiric Drain. However, you also become weaker in sunlight, which reduces your health, stamina, and magicka regeneration.
The severity of these effects depends on your stage of vampirism. Neglecting to feed on unsuspecting (or willing) victims increases your vampiric stage, granting you more potent abilities but also exacerbating the weaknesses. The final stage of vampirism, Stage 4, makes you hostile to most NPCs, forcing you to feed to avoid constant conflict.
Curing Your Vampirism
Fortunately, the cure for vampirism is relatively straightforward. The most common method involves seeking out Falion in Morthal. Falion, a scholar specializing in such matters, requires a filled Black Soul Gem to perform the ritual. This gem needs to contain a soul of a humanoid, so prepare to trap a bandit or mage’s soul. Once you have the filled gem, simply meet Falion at the summoning circle, and he will restore your mortal self.
Reclaiming Your Vampire Lord Status
If you possess the Dawnguard DLC, becoming a Vampire Lord offers a more potent form of vampirism. This transformation, granted by Lord Harkon or Serana, gives you access to a dedicated skill tree, unique powers like Bat Form, and the ability to summon gargoyles. You can repeatedly accept this gift from Serana after curing yourself, provided you’ve convinced her not to cure her own vampirism.
Why Become a Vampire Again?
The allure of vampirism is undeniable. The powers are intoxicating, and the ability to dominate weaker foes with ease is tempting. Some players enjoy the challenge of managing the downsides, while others simply appreciate the lore and role-playing opportunities. The choice, as always, is yours. Embrace the night, or shun it – Skyrim offers both paths.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Vampirism and Cures
Here are some common questions regarding becoming a vampire again in Skyrim to clarify any lingering doubts.
1. If that’s the case, yes, you can become a vampire lord again if you ask Serana to turn you. The only way to completely eliminate this possibility is if you manage to convince Serana to cure herself, which is tricky to do, and also why would you do that?
Absolutely. You can reclaim your Vampire Lord status from Serana as long as she remains a vampire. Convincing her to cure herself permanently closes this option.
2. Can you get vampirism twice?
Yes, you can contract Sanguinare Vampiris multiple times and become a vampire after each cure. There’s no limit to how many times you can walk this path.
3. Can you become human again after becoming a vampire in Skyrim?
Yes, you can become human again by seeking out Falion in Morthal and completing the ritual using a filled Black Soul Gem.
4. How many times can you be a vampire in Skyrim?
As many times as you are willing to contract the disease, cure it, and repeat the process. There’s no in-game limit.
5. What is the hardest vampire in Skyrim?
With the Dawnguard DLC installed, the Nightmaster Vampire is one of the most challenging foes. They are skilled mages and necromancers often found in vampire lairs or attacking cities.
6. Can you marry any of the vampires in Skyrim?
Without mods, you cannot marry a vampire, including Serana. You can, however, turn your spouse into a vampire (if you have the Dawnguard expansion).
7. Can you become the king of vampires in Skyrim?
While you don’t become a formal “king,” siding with Lord Harkon and accepting his gift makes you a powerful Vampire Lord, effectively placing you among the leaders of the Volkihar vampire clan.
8. What happens if you stay a vampire in Skyrim?
Staying a vampire grants powerful abilities but also makes you weaker in sunlight, stunting stamina, health, and magicka recovery. Neglecting to feed leads to increased vampiric stages and hostility from NPCs.
9. Can I be a Vampire Lord and werewolf?
No, you cannot be both a Vampire Lord and a werewolf simultaneously. Embracing one form permanently removes the ability to transform into the other. However, you can switch between them by curing one and then acquiring the other.
10. What does it mean if a vampire drinks another vampire’s blood?
The lore surrounding vampire blood-drinking can vary. Some interpret it as an intimate act or a way of sharing power and knowledge. Skyrim doesn’t delve deeply into this aspect, but the underlying implication of intimacy remains.
11. Can a half vampire get pregnant?
Skyrim doesn’t explore the concept of half-vampires or their reproductive capabilities. The game focuses solely on the transformation into a full vampire or werewolf. This is an interesting aspect of vampire lore that would be exciting to explore in future releases, allowing players to have more opportunities to build out their characters. To delve more into the captivating world of gaming and learning, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society for cutting-edge research and insights into how games can transform education and beyond.
12. Can a vampire become a hybrid?
In Skyrim, becoming a hybrid (werewolf-vampire) is not possible within the game’s standard mechanics. The game prevents you from acquiring both forms simultaneously. You can choose one or the other, not both.
13. Why didn’t Katherine turn back into a vampire?
This question refers to the Vampire Diaries universe. In Skyrim, if you have the cure, you are always able to turn back into a vampire should you wish, provided you find the right source and haven’t become a werewolf.
14. Can you be half vampire?
Skyrim doesn’t explore the concept of half-vampires. The game focuses on the full transformation into a vampire through Sanguinare Vampiris or the Vampire Lord transformation.
15. Can you join the Dawnguard after killing Harkon?
Yes, after killing Harkon, you can still join the Dawnguard if you are not a vampire. If you are a vampire, you will remain aligned with Castle Volkihar.
16. How long can you go without feeding as a vampire in Skyrim?
You progress through the four stages of vampirism every 24 hours that you do not feed as a vampire.
17. Can you cure Serana?
Yes, you can bring Serana to Falion in Morthal to cure her of her vampirism after the completion of the Dawnguard DLC.
18. Is Vampire Lord or werewolf better?
This depends on individual playstyles. Vampire Lords are powerful mages with strong abilities, while werewolves excel in melee combat. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
19. Is it better to be a vampire or not?
Being a vampire grants potent abilities, but also imposes weaknesses. Whether it’s “better” depends on your preferred gameplay style and tolerance for managing the downsides.
20. Can I turn Lydia into a vampire?
To turn Lydia or any other follower into a vampire in Skyrim, you must first marry them. Then, as a Vampire Lord, you can offer them your blood to transform them.
21. Can you have 2 wives in Skyrim?
Unfortunately, no. You can only have one spouse in Skyrim.
22. Who is the best spouse to turn into a vampire in Skyrim?
This is subjective, but Ysolda is a popular choice due to her unique appearance after being transformed into a vampire. Be sure to make your choice carefully!
Final Thoughts
Becoming a vampire again after being cured in Skyrim is not only possible but also a recurring choice throughout your adventure. The game allows for flexibility in shaping your character’s destiny, embracing either the light or the darkness as you see fit. So, go forth, adventurer, and carve your own path in the land of the Nords, whether as a mortal, a beast, or a creature of the night! For more in-depth research on gaming’s impact, particularly on education and learning, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.