Can I Join the Dawnguard if I Cure Vampirism? The Ultimate Skyrim Guide
The short answer is yes, absolutely! Curing yourself of vampirism in Skyrim does not permanently bar you from joining the Dawnguard. In fact, it’s almost a prerequisite if you’ve accidentally stumbled into vampirism before even meeting them. The Dawnguard are fiercely dedicated to eradicating vampires, so arriving at their doorstep as one would be rather counterproductive. However, there’s more to the story than a simple “yes.” Let’s delve into the nuances of joining the Dawnguard, vampirism, and everything in between.
The Dawnguard and Vampirism: A Complicated Relationship
The Dawnguard, resurrected as a force by Isran, are a group of vampire hunters. They are absolutely not fans of those pesky creatures, which means you won’t be able to join them as a vampire. So, curing yourself is definitely the right path to take if you want to join up with them. However, curing vampirism after starting the Dawnguard questline might require a bit more finesse.
The Questline and Your Condition
The early quests of the Dawnguard questline, particularly “Bloodline,” will have a significant impact. During this quest, you meet Serana and are given a choice by Lord Harkon: to accept his gift and become a Vampire Lord or refuse and escape with Serana. Refusing Harkon’s gift and siding with the Dawnguard initially prevents you from becoming a vampire. However, after completing certain quests, Serana can turn you into a Vampire Lord as many times as you want, even if you sided with the Dawnguard. This flexibility allows you to experience the benefits of both factions. But what if you already became a vampire before the events of Dawnguard?
Curing Vampirism and Re-Joining
If you are a vampire when you first meet the Dawnguard, Isran will initially be wary, to say the least. But you will be able to get past this. He’ll give you a chance to prove yourself by curing your vampirism. This will allow you to join the Dawnguard ranks. This involves a trip to Falion of Morthal, who specializes in curing vampirism. Once you’re cured, you’re in the clear to become a full-fledged member of the Dawnguard.
Dawnguard or Volkihar: Choosing Your Path
Deciding which side to take in the Dawnguard DLC can be a tough choice. Each faction offers unique perks, quests, and experiences. Players who want permanent access to Castle Volkihar should side with the vampires; those who want to align themselves with a more trustworthy faction while also gaining access to better weapons should side with the Dawnguard.
Benefits of Joining the Dawnguard
- Crossbows and Enhanced Bolts: The Dawnguard offers access to crossbows, which are particularly effective against vampires. You can also acquire enhanced bolts, further increasing your combat effectiveness.
- Unique Armor and Weapons: The Dawnguard has their own unique armor sets and weapons, perfect for slaying the undead.
- Morally Aligned: For players who prefer to play as a “good” character, siding with the Dawnguard is the more morally justifiable choice.
Benefits of Joining the Volkihar Vampires
- Vampire Lord Form: Access to the Vampire Lord transformation is a significant power boost.
- Castle Volkihar: The vampire clan’s castle is a unique and atmospheric base of operations.
- Dark Magic and Abilities: Embrace the dark side with access to powerful vampire abilities and spells.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Both factions offer compelling reasons to join them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that cover more details on how you can become a Vampire Lord and what you can do if you become a werewolf.
1. Can Serana make me a Vampire Lord if I side with the Dawnguard?
Yes! Even if you choose the Dawnguard side, you can ask Serana to transform you into a Vampire Lord after the main questline is complete. She will do so as many times as you want. This allows you to experience the benefits of both sides.
2. Can I become a Vampire Lord after curing vampirism?
Absolutely! You can become a Vampire Lord again by asking Serana to turn you.
3. What happens if I side with the Dawnguard as a vampire?
If you approach the Dawnguard as a vampire, they will ask you to cure yourself. Until you do so, they will be hostile or at least very wary of you.
4. Is it better to be a Vampire Lord or a Werewolf?
It depends on your playstyle. Vampire Lords are generally considered stronger, especially in the late game, while Werewolves excel in close-quarters combat and offer resistance to diseases.
5. What are the disadvantages of being a vampire in Skyrim?
As a vampire, you are weak to sunlight, which prevents health, stamina, and magicka regeneration during the day. In the later stages of vampirism, NPCs may become hostile.
6. How many times can Serana turn me into a Vampire Lord?
Serana can transform you into a vampire as many times as you want. You can freely switch between being a mortal and a Vampire Lord with her help.
7. Can you marry Serana if you join the Dawnguard?
Without mods, you cannot marry Serana. While she has dialogue about marriage, the game does not allow you to marry her.
8. Can you get Harkon’s sword if you join the Dawnguard?
Yes! The latter part of the Dawnguard questline is nearly identical to the vampire side. You will still encounter Harkon and have the opportunity to obtain his sword.
9. Does the Dawnguard accept werewolves?
The Dawnguard are primarily concerned with eradicating vampires. Being a werewolf doesn’t bother them as long as you’re not a vampire.
10. Can you still go to Castle Volkihar after curing vampirism?
Yes, you can still enter Castle Volkihar, but the vampires there will scorn you for curing yourself.
11. Does Serana want to be cured of vampirism?
Serana considers her vampirism a gift and does not want to be cured. However, she will allow you to convince her if you want her cured.
12. Should I join the Dawnguard or Harkon?
The choice depends on your preferences. The Dawnguard offers crossbows and a more morally aligned storyline. The Volkihar vampires offer the Vampire Lord transformation and access to dark magic.
13. Does Serana like me more as a vampire?
Serana’s friendship with the Dragonborn is not dependent on their vampire status. She is happy with you regardless of whether you are a vampire or not.
14. What happens if I refuse Lord Harkon’s gift?
If you refuse Lord Harkon’s gift, you will be banished from Castle Volkihar and can no longer enter it as part of that quest.
15. Can a Khajiit become a werewolf?
Yes, any playable race in Skyrim, including Khajiit, can become a werewolf.
Final Thoughts
Joining the Dawnguard after curing vampirism is not only possible but often necessary. The Dawnguard offers a compelling storyline, unique weapons, and a chance to fight against the encroaching vampire threat. Whether you choose to remain human or embrace your inner Vampire Lord with Serana’s help, the choice is yours. So grab your sword, crossbow, and a healthy dose of sunscreen, and prepare to embark on an epic adventure. And remember, understanding these complex game mechanics can be an art form, which is why studying the intersection of games and learning is crucial. Explore more about this field at the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Good luck, Dragonborn!