Can You Adopt a Dawnguard Dog in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
The frigid lands of Skyrim offer more than just dragons and political turmoil; they offer companionship. For the Dragonborn seeking a loyal furry friend, the Dawnguard DLC presents a unique opportunity. But can you truly adopt one of the armored huskies guarding Fort Dawnguard? The answer is a bit nuanced, but generally: no, you cannot officially “adopt” both Bran and Sceolang.
While you cannot adopt them in the same way you would adopt a stray dog and bring it to your Hearthfire home, you can recruit one of them as a follower after joining the Dawnguard. The game mechanic only allows one Dawnguard dog to actively follow you at any given time. Once you have one, the other will remain at Fort Dawnguard.
Understanding the Dawnguard Dogs: Bran and Sceolang
Bran and Sceolang are not simply random canines. These are armored huskies, battle-hardened companions equipped for the dangers of Skyrim. They reside within the dog pen inside Fort Dawnguard, located in the northeastern corner of the fort’s cave section, near the entrance to Dead Drop Falls. They are invaluable assets to the Dawnguard and can become equally valuable to you. Both of them have similar stats, so it’s really up to preference.
Recruiting a Dawnguard Dog as a Follower
To acquire either Bran or Sceolang as a follower, you must first join the Dawnguard faction. Once you’ve pledged your allegiance to Isran and the fight against the Volkihar vampires, the option to have one of these dogs accompany you will become available. Simply speak to the dog and it will begin following you.
The One-Dog Limit
A crucial point to remember is that the game only allows you to have one of the Dawnguard dogs as a follower. You can bring one along while you recruit another follower, but that follower will return to their original location. This isn’t a glitch; it’s a designed limitation. This means you can only choose either Bran or Sceolang as your loyal canine companion, not both simultaneously. The game will ask for the first one you bring along to be a follower.
FAQs: Dawnguard Dogs and Skyrim Companions
1. Can I have other pets in addition to a Dawnguard dog?
Yes, technically. You can have one active dog follower (either Bran or Sceolang) and another pet adopted through your children if you have built a Hearthfire home. So, while you can’t have multiple Dawnguard dogs, you can still amass a small animal entourage.
2. Where can I find a “stray dog” to adopt for my children?
Stray dogs are random encounters in Skyrim. They are commonly found traveling along roads and paths, and will typically approach you, often whimpering. Once a stray dog follows you, take it back to your Hearthfire home and your children should ask to adopt it.
3. What happens if my Dawnguard dog dies?
Thankfully, Bran and Sceolang have their status set to “protected”. This means that the only people who can kill them are you or your other follower. This means that hostile entities cannot kill them, only knock them down so that you can revive them when combat ends. They are essential for the Dawnguard’s operations.
4. Can I make Bran or Sceolang immortal?
A mod exists to change Bran and Sceolang from “protected” to “essential” status. You can find mods online on sites like Nexus Mods. If you have the mod installed, you don’t have to worry about them dying.
5. Are dogs worth it as followers in Skyrim?
Absolutely! While they may not be the most powerful combatants compared to some specialized followers, dogs provide a valuable role as meat shields and distractions. They also add a unique sense of companionship to the game. If you’re looking for the most useful follower, then there are stronger options available. But for the sense of companionship, it’s worth it.
6. Can I be a werewolf and join the Dawnguard?
Yes, you can absolutely be a werewolf and join the Dawnguard. The game allows you to embrace both paths without conflict.
7. Can I be a vampire and join the Dawnguard?
You can join the Dawnguard as a vampire, but you won’t be able to complete the questline without curing yourself. Isran isn’t too keen on vampires joining the Dawnguard. You can still become a Vampire Lord with Serana’s help, even if you initially side with the Dawnguard.
8. What are the best pets in Skyrim, aside from dogs?
Skyrim offers various unique pets beyond dogs. The Pets of Skyrim Creation Club add-on introduces creatures like foxes, rabbits, and even a skeever, each with its own charm and abilities. Cotton is loyal, sweet, & cute as can be, and Lonely Meeko deserves a loving home.
9. Where can I find Meeko the dog?
Meeko resides at Meeko’s Shack, a small cabin located west of Morthal and south of Solitude. He’s a loyal companion who has sadly lost his owner and is eager for a new one.
10. Do the Dawnguard armored trolls respawn?
Yes, while Bran and Sceolang (who have names) do not respawn, the armored trolls used by the Dawnguard do respawn. They are a renewable resource for those who need a powerful melee ally.
11. Can I adopt Aventus Aretino?
With certain mods, yes. After completing the “Innocence Lost” quest, you can adopt Aventus Aretino with mods that allow it. He’ll then reside at Honorhall Orphanage.
12. Who is the best child to adopt in Skyrim?
The “best” child to adopt is subjective and depends on your personal preference. Many players favor adopting Sofie (from Windhelm) and Lucia (from Whiterun) due to their particularly heartbreaking circumstances.
13. Can I own a death hound in Skyrim?
Yes, but only if you side with the vampires during the Dawnguard questline. Death hounds are exclusive to the Volkihar clan.
14. What is the most powerful family in Skyrim?
While many families hold influence, the Black-Briars are arguably the most powerful. Led by Maven Black-Briar, they wield considerable control over Riften and beyond.
15. Do Dawnguard quests go on forever?
The main Dawnguard storyline is finite, but both the Dawnguard and Volkihar factions offer radiant quests that are repeatable indefinitely. This ensures a constant stream of content and challenges.
Choosing Your Canine Companion
Ultimately, choosing between Bran and Sceolang is a matter of personal preference. Both offer the same combat capabilities and unwavering loyalty. The best way to decide is to spend some time with each dog at Fort Dawnguard and see which one you connect with.
Conclusion
While you can’t amass a pack of armored huskies, recruiting either Bran or Sceolang as a follower offers a rewarding experience for any Dragonborn venturing into the dangers of Skyrim. The Dawnguard dogs are valuable allies, and their presence adds a layer of companionship to your adventures. So, join the Dawnguard, choose your canine companion wisely, and venture forth into the wilds!
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