Can You Howl Again? Regaining Lycanthropy After Vampirism in Skyrim
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The eternal question for Skyrim adventurers grappling with the dual allure of the beast blood and the vampire’s kiss: Can I become a werewolf again if I become a vampire? The answer, in short, is yes, but with significant caveats. Skyrim, particularly with the Dawnguard DLC, offers a path to switch between these supernatural states, allowing you to experience both sides of the coin (or should we say, both sides of the fang and claw?). However, this isn’t a simple toggle switch; understanding the mechanics is crucial to avoid permanently locking yourself out of one form or the other. This article provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the complexities of lycanthropy and vampirism, helping you make informed decisions about your character’s supernatural journey.
Shifting Shapes: The Core Mechanic
The fundamental principle is that you cannot be both a werewolf and a vampire at the same time in Skyrim. Choosing one effectively overwrites the other. This means that becoming a Vampire Lord will cure you of lycanthropy, and accepting the beast blood will eradicate your vampirism. The Dawnguard DLC provides the crucial mechanism for regaining lycanthropy after becoming a vampire: Aela the Huntress, a member of the Companions, can grant you the gift of beast blood again, but only once after the initial Companions questline.
This limitation is key. If you cure yourself of lycanthropy a second time (either through a quest or by becoming a Vampire Lord), you will never be able to become a werewolf again through Aela. Therefore, careful planning is essential.
The Aela Loop: How to Regain Lycanthropy
Here’s the step-by-step process to regain your werewolf form after becoming a vampire:
- Become a Vampire Lord: Join the Volkihar Vampire Clan in the Dawnguard DLC and accept Lord Harkon’s gift. This will cure you of your lycanthropy.
- Speak to Aela the Huntress: Return to Jorrvaskr in Whiterun and speak to Aela.
- Request Lycanthropy: Ask Aela to grant you the beast blood again. She will perform a ritual that restores your lycanthropy, curing your vampirism in the process.
- One-Time Offer: Remember, Aela will only do this once after the initial Companions questline.
The Risks of Curing Lycanthropy Twice
The biggest risk is inadvertently curing yourself of lycanthropy a second time. This can happen in several ways:
- Becoming a Vampire Lord again: If you become a werewolf again through Aela and then re-embrace vampirism, you’ll lose your lycanthropy permanently. Aela will not offer you the beast blood a second time.
- The “Rising at Dawn” Quest: This quest, offered by Falion in Morthal, cures vampirism. However, if you are a werewolf, speaking to Falion will trigger the quest, and if you complete it, you will be permanently cured of lycanthropy. Be extremely cautious when speaking to Falion if you’re a werewolf and do not have vampirism.
FAQs: Navigating the Supernatural Divide
Here are frequently asked questions (FAQs) to further clarify the intricacies of switching between werewolf and vampire forms in Skyrim:
1. Can I be a Vampire Lord and a Werewolf?
No. The game mechanics do not allow for hybrid states. Choosing one will always overwrite the other.
2. Can I become a werewolf after curing my initial lycanthropy from the Companions questline?
Yes, but only once, through Aela. Make sure you have the Dawnguard DLC.
3. What happens if I cure my vampirism without being a werewolf?
Nothing negative happens. You simply revert to a normal state, free from both lycanthropy and vampirism.
4. If I become a Vampire Lord, do I lose all my werewolf abilities?
Yes, all werewolf abilities, including transformations and associated perks, are lost when you become a Vampire Lord.
5. If I become a werewolf again, do I regain my werewolf perks?
Yes, as long as you unlocked those perks. If you spent perk points in the werewolf perk tree, those will return when you become a werewolf again.
6. What if I use a mod to become a werewolf multiple times?
Modding can circumvent the game’s limitations. However, stability and compatibility issues may arise. Use mods with caution. Learn more about how games can enhance skills by visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
7. Is there a way to check if I’ve already used Aela’s lycanthropy service?
Unfortunately, there is no in-game indicator. You’ll have to rely on your memory or keep a personal record.
8. Does my spouse’s condition affect my ability to switch between werewolf and vampire?
No. Your spouse’s condition is independent of your own. They can be a vampire or a werewolf regardless of your state.
9. Can I still join the Dawnguard if I become a Vampire Lord and then become a werewolf again?
Yes. Your past choices don’t lock you out of joining the Dawnguard, even if you previously sided with the Volkihar Clan.
10. Does the stage of vampirism affect my ability to become a werewolf?
No. Any stage of vampirism can be cured by becoming a werewolf.
11. Are there any advantages to being a Vampire Lord before becoming a werewolf again?
There’s no inherent advantage in terms of regaining lycanthropy. However, you may enjoy the Vampire Lord experience before switching back.
12. What happens if I have a bounty in a hold as a werewolf?
Transforming into a werewolf usually clears your bounty in that hold, but be careful, guards will attack on sight.
13. If I’m a Vampire Lord and I have followers, will they still follow me if I become a werewolf again?
Yes, your followers will continue to follow you regardless of your supernatural state.
14. Can I use console commands to become a werewolf again?
Yes, console commands can bypass the normal restrictions, but be aware that using console commands can potentially break your game if you’re not careful.
15. Can I get Serana to turn me back into a Vampire Lord after I am done being a werewolf?
Yes, Serana can turn you back into a Vampire Lord after you become a werewolf, as long as you have already completed the Dawnguard questline.
Conclusion: Choose Wisely, Adventurer
Navigating the world of Skyrim’s supernatural transformations requires careful consideration. While the game allows you to experience both the power of the Vampire Lord and the ferocity of the werewolf, the limitations surrounding Aela’s gift make it a one-time opportunity. Plan your character’s journey accordingly, and remember to enjoy the adventure, regardless of whether you’re stalking the night as a vampire or howling at the moon as a werewolf.