Can You Become Lord of Volkihar? A Comprehensive Skyrim Vampire Guide
Yes, you can absolutely become a Lord of Volkihar in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, provided you make the right choices during the Dawnguard DLC questline. This powerful transformation grants you access to unique abilities, spells, and a whole new gameplay style centered around the terrifying Vampire Lord form. Now, let’s sink our teeth into the specifics and explore everything you need to know about embracing the darkness.
How to Become a Vampire Lord
The path to becoming a Vampire Lord is directly tied to the Dawnguard DLC. You’ll start by encountering the Dawnguard, a group of vampire hunters, or by stumbling upon Castle Volkihar, the ancestral home of a powerful clan of vampires led by the ancient Lord Harkon.
Joining the Volkihar Clan
To truly become a Lord of Volkihar, you must side with the vampires. This pivotal moment occurs during the quest “Bloodline“. After rescuing Serana, Harkon’s daughter, from Dimhollow Crypt, you’ll escort her back to Castle Volkihar. Harkon will then offer you the Gift of Vampirism, transforming you into a Vampire Lord. Accepting this offer is crucial; rejecting it will lock you into the Dawnguard questline.
The Power of the Vampire Lord
As a Vampire Lord, you’ll gain access to a dedicated skill tree, allowing you to unlock powerful abilities such as:
- Blood Magic: Use spells to drain life, summon gargoyles, and manipulate your enemies.
- Bat Form: Transform into a swarm of bats for quick movement and evasion.
- Vampiric Grip: Paralyze and pull enemies towards you from a distance.
- Unarmed attacks: Clawing and biting.
The Drawbacks of Vampirism
Of course, becoming a Vampire Lord isn’t without its downsides. You’ll be vulnerable to sunlight, which will drain your health and magicka. Feeding regularly is essential to maintain your power and avoid becoming hostile to the general populace. As a vampire you will take more damage from fire.
The Alternative: Dawnguard
While siding with the Volkihar is the most direct route, choosing the Dawnguard doesn’t entirely prevent you from becoming a Vampire Lord. Serana can turn you into a Vampire Lord at almost any time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Becoming a Vampire Lord
Here are some of the most common questions about becoming a Vampire Lord in Skyrim, answered for your convenience:
1. Can Serana turn you into a Vampire Lord after joining the Dawnguard?
Yes, even if you side with the Dawnguard, Serana can still turn you into a Vampire Lord. This option is available to you after completing the quest “Kindred Judgment,” the final quest in the Dawnguard questline.
2. Can you become a Vampire Lord multiple times?
Yes, you can become a Vampire Lord multiple times. If you choose to cure your vampirism, you can always ask Serana to restore your Vampire Lord status later. However, this is only true if you haven’t convinced her to cure her own vampirism.
3. What happens if you cure Serana?
If you convince Serana to cure her vampirism, she will lose her ability to transform you into a Vampire Lord. Furthermore, she will no longer possess her other vampiric abilities or make special arrows for you.
4. Can you contract regular vampirism and then become a Vampire Lord?
Yes, you can contract sanguinare vampiris (the disease that leads to regular vampirism) and then ask Serana to turn you into a Vampire Lord. This will essentially “upgrade” your vampirism, granting you the powerful Vampire Lord form and abilities.
5. Can you marry Serana as a Vampire Lord?
Without mods, you cannot marry Serana, regardless of whether you are a Vampire Lord or not. The base game does not allow for marriage with vampire NPCs. To accomplish this you would need a mod.
6. Does Serana like the Dragonborn?
Many players interpret Serana’s dialogue and interactions as evidence that she cares deeply for the Dragonborn. Her gratitude for being freed from her father’s control and the hints of a deeper connection in her dialogue suggest a close bond.
7. Is being a Vampire Lord better than being a werewolf?
Generally, Vampire Lords are considered more powerful than werewolves, especially in the late game, provided you build your character effectively. They offer a wider range of abilities and strategic options.
8. What happens if you visit Castle Volkihar before starting the Dawnguard questline?
Visiting Castle Volkihar before starting the Dawnguard questline is not recommended. It can potentially cause bugs that break the entire questline. It’s best to avoid it until you’re officially directed there.
9. Will Serana leave you if you are not a vampire?
No, Serana will not leave you if you choose not to become a vampire or if you cure your vampirism. She is coded to be your follower and guide throughout the Dawnguard questline, regardless of your vampiric status.
10. Is joining the Dawnguard better than joining the Volkihar?
The choice between the Dawnguard and Volkihar depends on your play style. The Dawnguard offers unique crossbows and armored trolls, while the Volkihar provides access to the Vampire Lord form and its associated abilities. Neither side is inherently “better”; it’s a matter of personal preference.
11. Who can turn you into a Vampire Lord?
Aside from Lord Harkon (during the initial quest), Serana is the only other NPC in the game who can turn you into a Vampire Lord.
12. What are the stages of vampirism for a Vampire Lord?
Vampire Lords still experience the four stages of vampirism, each with its own effects on your abilities and how NPCs react to you. Feeding regularly will keep you in the lower stages, minimizing negative effects.
13. What are the benefits of becoming a Vampire Lord?
The benefits of being a Vampire Lord include access to powerful blood magic spells, the ability to transform into a bat swarm, increased strength and speed in Vampire Lord form, and a unique skill tree.
14. Can you cure vampirism if you are a Vampire Lord?
Yes, you can cure your vampirism even if you are a Vampire Lord. You can do so through a quest that starts with speaking to innkeepers and is completed by speaking to Falion in Morthal.
15. Is it worth it to be a Vampire Lord in Skyrim?
Whether it’s worth it to be a Vampire Lord depends on your playstyle and preferences. If you enjoy playing as a powerful, supernatural being with unique abilities, the Vampire Lord form can be incredibly rewarding. However, if you dislike the weaknesses associated with vampirism, it might not be the right choice for you.
Embracing the path of the Lord of Volkihar offers a unique and thrilling experience in Skyrim. From mastering dark magic to commanding the night, the power is undeniable. Just remember to consider the drawbacks and make the choice that best suits your playstyle and the narrative you wish to create. And if you’re interested in learning more about the educational aspects of gaming, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org!