Can I Still Be in the Dawnguard as a Vampire? A Comprehensive Skyrim Guide
The short answer? Yes, you can absolutely start the Dawnguard questline as a vampire. In fact, the game’s writers have cleverly included unique dialogue options for this very scenario. This makes for a unique and nuanced role-playing experience. However, things get more complex as you progress. Let’s delve deep into the details and answer all your burning questions about navigating the Dawnguard questline with a touch of vampirism.
Vampires and the Dawnguard: A Thorny Relationship
The Dawnguard, as you might expect, aren’t exactly fond of vampires. They’re dedicated vampire hunters! However, the game’s narrative allows for some flexibility, especially at the beginning. Your character’s motives might justify your initial interaction with the Dawnguard even with your unfortunate affliction.
Starting the Questline as a Vampire
When you first approach Fort Dawnguard, your vampiric state will be acknowledged. Isran, the gruff leader of the Dawnguard, won’t exactly roll out the red carpet. Instead, he’ll likely tell you that you need to get cured before he’ll consider you an ally. However, this isn’t a complete roadblock. You can still trigger the questline. The important thing is to prove your worth and sincerity in wanting to eliminate the greater vampire threat posed by Lord Harkon and his Volkihar Clan.
The Point of No Return: Harkon’s Gift
The real turning point comes when Lord Harkon offers you his blood and the power of a Vampire Lord. Accepting Harkon’s gift seals your fate. If you embrace vampirism fully at this stage, Isran will reject you, and you’ll be forced to side with the Volkihar vampires. However, refusing Harkon’s gift allows you to continue with the Dawnguard despite your initial vampiric condition.
FAQs: Navigating the Dawnguard as a Vampire
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the most frequently asked questions, offering clarity and guidance for your vampire-hunting adventure:
1. Can I join the Dawnguard as a Vampire Lord?
Technically, no. Becoming a Vampire Lord means accepting Harkon’s gift. This will inevitably lead to Isran kicking you out of the Dawnguard. You have to refuse the gift to remain with the Dawnguard. You can, however, become a Vampire Lord later on. Serana can offer you her blood to become a Vampire Lord.
2. What happens if I side with the Dawnguard as a vampire?
The questline proceeds largely as normal. Isran will be wary of you, but as long as you prove your dedication to eradicating the vampire threat, he’ll tolerate your condition. You’ll still work alongside him and the other Dawnguard members. Your actions will speak louder than your fangs.
3. Will the Dawnguard members attack me if I’m a vampire?
Initially, yes. If you arrive at Fort Dawnguard as a vampire, especially in the later stages of vampirism, they will be hostile. It’s crucial to manage your vampirism before approaching them. Feed regularly to avoid progressing to Stage 4, where everyone attacks you on sight. Once you start the questline, and prove your loyalty they will not attack you if you turn into a vampire lord.
4. Can Serana turn me into a Vampire Lord if I side with the Dawnguard?
Absolutely! After completing the main Dawnguard questline, you can ask Serana to turn you into a Vampire Lord if you desire. This gives you the best of both worlds: the experience of siding with the Dawnguard and the power of a Vampire Lord.
5. Can I get cured of vampirism after joining the Dawnguard?
Yes, you can cure your vampirism at any time by seeking out Falion in Morthal. He’ll perform a ritual to cleanse you of the affliction. This is a viable option if the sunlight weakness and other drawbacks become too burdensome.
6. Does being a vampire affect my interactions with Serana?
Serana is, herself, a pure-blood vampire. She’s generally accepting of your vampiric state, and her dialogue doesn’t change drastically based on your condition. She might even offer unique insights and perspectives, given her own experiences.
7. Is it better to join the Dawnguard or the Volkihar vampires?
This depends entirely on your playstyle and preferences. The Dawnguard offers access to powerful crossbows and armored trolls, while the Volkihar vampires provide unique vampire-themed abilities and a different perspective on the conflict. Both sides offer compelling storylines and rewards.
8. Can I switch sides after making a choice?
No. Once you fully commit to either the Dawnguard or the Volkihar vampires, you cannot switch sides. Choose wisely!
9. Can I still get Auriel’s Bow if I side with the Dawnguard?
Yes! Auriel’s Bow is a crucial part of the Dawnguard questline, regardless of which side you choose. You’ll obtain it during the “Touching the Sky” quest.
10. What are the benefits of being a vampire in Skyrim?
Being a vampire grants you various perks, including increased sneak ability, enhanced illusion magic, and access to powerful Vampire Lord abilities. However, it also comes with weaknesses to sunlight and fire.
11. What are the downsides of being a vampire in Skyrim?
The primary downsides are the weakness to sunlight, which prevents health, stamina, and magicka regeneration during the day, and the potential for NPCs to become hostile if you progress to the later stages of vampirism.
12. Can I be a werewolf and a vampire at the same time?
No. You can only be one or the other. If you become a vampire while being a werewolf, you’ll lose your lycanthropy. You can, however, reacquire lycanthropy later on by completing the Companions questline again (after being cured of vampirism).
13. Does Serana want to be cured of her vampirism?
Serana’s feelings about her vampirism are complex. She doesn’t express a strong desire to be cured. You can, however, convince her to seek a cure after completing the Dawnguard questline. It depends on your conversations and choices throughout the story.
14. Can I marry Serana?
Unfortunately, no. In the vanilla version of Skyrim, you cannot marry Serana. However, numerous mods are available that allow you to do so. These mods often add unique dialogue and interactions to enhance the experience.
15. What is the best level to start the Dawnguard questline?
You can start the Dawnguard questline at any level. However, it’s generally recommended to be at least level 10 to handle the enemies you’ll encounter. The higher your level, the easier the questline will be.
The Dawnguard: A Challenging but Rewarding Path for Vampires
Navigating the Dawnguard questline as a vampire adds an extra layer of complexity and intrigue to your Skyrim experience. While it requires careful management of your vampirism and some strategic decision-making, it can be incredibly rewarding. You get to play as a reluctant monster fighting other, perhaps more evil, monsters. You get to challenge the prejudices of the Dawnguard and prove your worth. This is definitely a memorable and enriching experience.
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