Falion and the Endless Cycle: Curing Vampirism in Skyrim – Again and Again

The winds of Skyrim howl, carrying tales of dragons and the undead, and amidst it all stands Falion of Morthal, a mage cloaked in mystery and capable of a feat most extraordinary: curing vampirism. But the question lingers, like mist over the swamps: Can Falion cure you multiple times? The answer, dear adventurer, is a resounding yes! You can indeed seek Falion’s aid as many times as you succumb to the allure (or misfortune) of vampirism. Think of it as an endless cycle, a revolving door between mortality and undeath, with Falion as the gatekeeper. He doesn’t judge; he simply offers a solution… for a price.

The Ritual Repeated: How Falion’s Cure Works

Falion’s cure isn’t a one-time deal. It’s a service, a ritual he performs based on a very specific recipe. This involves a filled Black Soul Gem, a journey to the summoning stones near Morthal, and Falion’s arcane expertise. He can repeat this ritual indefinitely. You can become a vampire again through various means – a vampire’s Drain spell, Harkon’s gift (should you choose to take it), or even a random encounter with a particularly bloodthirsty foe. And each time, the path back to humanity remains open, thanks to Falion. It’s not like lycanthropy, where curing it initially locks you out from embracing the beastial form again without specific DLC exploits. With vampirism, the cycle of infection and cure remains fluid. This opens up interesting roleplaying possibilities, where you can experiment with both sides of the coin. GamesLearningSociety.org studies how these kinds of open gameplay loops can be more engaging.

Why Falion is the Key

Falion is unique. He’s one of the few NPCs in Skyrim with the knowledge and power to truly sever the vampiric connection. Priests of Arkay can offer temporary respite from the sun’s effects, and potions can resist disease, but only Falion can completely remove the affliction. This makes him an invaluable asset for any Dragonborn dabbling in the darker arts. His routine and specific dialogue options are directly linked to the “Rising at Dawn” quest, which remains repeatable whenever you are a vampire.

Avoiding Roadblocks to the Cure

There are, however, a few things to keep in mind. If you are a blood-starved vampire, Falion will refuse to speak with you about the cure. You’ll need to feed on a human to quell your thirst before he’ll offer his services. Also, make sure he reaches the summoning stones. Sometimes, his AI can be a bit… temperamental. If he gets stuck, running back to Morthal and returning to the stones often resolves the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Falion and Vampirism

Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the process of becoming and unbecoming a vampire, all thanks to the mage Falion:

1. What is the cost of Falion’s cure?

   The cost is always the same: one filled Black Soul Gem. These gems can trap human souls, and are often found by looting necromancers or purchased from certain vendors. Filling it requires using the Soul Trap spell on a human or humanoid enemy and then killing them while the spell is active. The Black Star, a Daedric artifact, is particularly useful for this purpose.

2. Can I become a Vampire Lord again after being cured by Falion?

   Yes, assuming you have the Dawnguard DLC installed. If you chose to become a Vampire Lord through Harkon, you can ask Serana to turn you again after being cured by Falion. The only way to permanently prevent this is by convincing Serana to cure herself of vampirism at the end of the Dawnguard questline.

3. Can Falion cure Serana?

   Yes, Falion can cure Serana of her vampirism after you complete the Dawnguard DLC. Simply bring her to Falion in Morthal, and he will perform the same ritual he performs for the Dragonborn.

4. Will joining the Dawnguard or the Volkihar Clan affect my ability to be cured by Falion?

   No. Whether you choose to hunt vampires or embrace the darkness, Falion’s services remain available as long as you contract vampirism. However, joining the Volkihar clan will lock you into the vampire quest line.

5. Is there any limit to how many times I can become a Vampire Lord?

   No, there is no limit. As long as Serana is willing to turn you, and you get cured, you can become a Vampire Lord as many times as you wish.

6. What happens if I report Falion to the Jarl?

   Reporting Falion to the Jarl will result in a confrontation. The Jarl will warn Falion to cease his activities, but it does not prevent him from performing the cure for vampirism. He simply gets a stern talking to.

7. Can I still join the Dawnguard after being cured of vampirism?

   Yes, you can still join the Dawnguard after being cured of vampirism. Becoming a vampire and then being cured does not impact your eligibility to join the vampire hunters.

8. Does Falion have any weaknesses?

   Despite his ability to manipulate souls and cure vampirism, Falion is surprisingly weak in combat. He knows no spells and is easily defeated. His power seems concentrated solely on his arcane rituals.

9. What are the disadvantages of being a vampire in Skyrim?

   The primary disadvantage is the weakness to sunlight. As a vampire, you will not regenerate health, stamina, or magicka in sunlight. You will also suffer stat penalties, particularly as you progress through the stages of vampirism. NPCs may also become hostile towards you at higher stages of vampirism.

10. Can I marry Serana if she’s a vampire?

    No, you cannot marry Serana in the base game of Skyrim, as she is a vampire. Mods exist that remove this limitation, but in the unmodded game, marriage to Serana is not possible.

11. Are there diseases that can mimic the effects of vampirism?

    Yes, there are several diseases in Skyrim that can weaken your character, but none fully replicate the effects of vampirism. Sanguinare Vampiris, the disease that leads to full vampirism, has distinct effects. Other diseases can be cured with potions or by visiting a shrine.

12. Can I become a werewolf again after being cured if I’m also a vampire?

    If you have the Dawnguard DLC or the Special Edition of Skyrim, you can become a werewolf again, even after being cured of both vampirism and lycanthropy. Speak to Aela the Huntress in The Circle to regain your Beast Form.

13. Does Serana like the Dragonborn?

    Serana’s dialogue and interactions with the Dragonborn suggest a growing bond and appreciation. She expresses gratitude for being freed from her father’s control and seems to enjoy the Dragonborn’s company. Some dialogue options even hint at a deeper connection.

14. Is it “bad” to cure Serana?

    Whether it’s “bad” to cure Serana is a matter of personal preference. Curing her removes her unique vampire abilities, including her 100% resistance to frost and poison, and the ability to turn you into a Vampire Lord. However, it also frees her from the burdens of vampirism.

15. What is the easiest way to fill a Black Soul Gem for Falion?

    The easiest way to fill a Black Soul Gem is to cast Soul Trap on a human or humanoid enemy (like a bandit or a mage) and then kill them while the spell is active. Locations with necromancers, such as Fort Snowhawk, are ideal for this purpose. Having the Black Star daedric artifact helps as it can be used repeatedly.

Embracing the Cycle

Ultimately, the choice to become a vampire, seek a cure, and potentially repeat the process is entirely yours. Skyrim offers a remarkable level of freedom in shaping your Dragonborn’s destiny, and Falion stands ready to assist in your journey, regardless of which path you choose. Embrace the possibilities, explore the dark side, and remember that even in the darkest of nights, there’s always a mage in Morthal offering a way back to the light. You might even learn something along the way, just like the researchers at the Games Learning Society explore how games teach us about the world.