Can You Betray the Dawnguard in Skyrim? A Definitive Answer
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Ah, the Dawnguard. Stalwarts against the encroaching vampire menace. But in the vast, morally grey world of Skyrim, the question inevitably arises: can you betray them? The short answer is, frustratingly, a conditional yes… and no. You can’t become a double agent in the traditional sense, subtly sabotaging their efforts while feigning loyalty. However, you can make choices that lead you down a drastically different path, one that effectively aligns you against them.
The “betrayal” hinges on a single, crucial decision: your acceptance of Lord Harkon’s gift and transformation into a Vampire Lord.
Once you become a Vampire Lord by accepting Harkon’s offer during the “Bloodline” quest, you are irrevocably aligned with Castle Volkihar and the vampires. This doesn’t immediately turn the Dawnguard hostile (initially), but it sets the stage for them to eventually turn against you as you progress through the vampire questline. You will essentially be working against their primary objectives by furthering the vampire’s goals.
Now, while you’re technically still able to complete some Dawnguard quests even as a Vampire Lord (Serana is quite helpful!), the game will eventually force you to choose a side permanently. Continuing with the Volkihar questline will lead to quests that are directly antagonistic towards the Dawnguard, making them your enemies. The Dawnguard will become hostile towards you and attack you on sight. That is when you have fully and irrevocably betrayed the Dawnguard.
The nuance is this: the “betrayal” isn’t a clandestine affair; it’s a very loud and permanent declaration of allegiance to the opposing force.
Dawnguard Betrayal: Delving Deeper
Let’s unpack this a bit further. The Dawnguard, led by the gruff but righteous Isran, represents a staunch opposition to all things vampire. Their sole purpose is to eradicate the vampire threat plaguing Skyrim. When you choose to become a Vampire Lord, you are essentially embracing that very threat.
No Double-Crossing, Just Different Paths
Skyrim doesn’t offer a nuanced system of internal espionage within the Dawnguard. You won’t be slipping them poisoned arrows or subtly weakening their defenses. Instead, you are making a fundamental choice about your character’s morality and role in the conflict. That choice dictates which faction you ultimately support. Think of it less as betrayal, and more as choosing a different career path with vastly different benefits and challenges. You can learn about the mechanics and narrative choices in games and more at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
The Point of No Return
The turning point is, unequivocally, accepting Harkon’s gift. While you can temporarily become a Vampire Lord through Serana’s blood for specific quests and then revert back, embracing Harkon’s power permanently locks you into the vampire path. This is because it completes the transformation and makes you a full member of the Volkihar clan. Rejecting Harkon’s gift will keep you firmly on the Dawnguard’s side, allowing you to progress through their questline and eventually defeat Harkon.
FAQs: Untangling the Web of Allegiance
To further clarify the complexities of Dawnguard allegiance and betrayal, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions:
FAQ #1: Can I join the Dawnguard and then switch to the vampires later?
Yes, but only until you accept Harkon’s gift. You can join the Dawnguard, complete a few quests, and even recruit some members. However, once you accept Harkon’s transformation during the “Bloodline” quest, you’re effectively locked into the vampire questline.
FAQ #2: What happens if I refuse Harkon’s gift?
If you refuse Harkon’s gift, you will return to Fort Dawnguard and continue the questline with them. You will never become a Vampire Lord and will remain an ally of the Dawnguard throughout the main storyline.
FAQ #3: Are there any consequences for siding with the vampires?
Absolutely. The Dawnguard will become hostile, and you’ll be hunted by them throughout Skyrim. You’ll also face unique challenges as a Vampire Lord, such as managing your blood thirst and dealing with the negative effects of sunlight.
FAQ #4: Can I cure my vampirism after siding with the vampires?
Yes, after completing the Volkihar questline, you can speak to Falion in Morthal to initiate the curing process. This will remove your Vampire Lord status, but it won’t automatically reinstate you with the Dawnguard. They will still remember your past allegiance.
FAQ #5: Will the Dawnguard forgive me if I cure my vampirism?
No, not entirely. While the Dawnguard won’t be actively hostile towards you after curing your vampirism, they won’t fully trust you either. You won’t be able to rejoin their ranks or access their questlines.
FAQ #6: Can I still use the Dawnguard’s weapons and armor if I side with the vampires?
Yes, you can retain any weapons and armor you acquired while allied with the Dawnguard. However, wearing Dawnguard armor in front of them after siding with the vampires is likely to provoke a hostile reaction.
FAQ #7: Does Serana leave me if I side with the Dawnguard?
No, Serana remains your follower regardless of which side you choose. Her personal questline is independent of your faction allegiance. She will still express her opinions on your choices, but she will remain loyal to you.
FAQ #8: Can I complete both the Dawnguard and Volkihar questlines on the same character?
No, not fully. You can start both questlines, but you’ll eventually be forced to choose a side during the “Bloodline” quest. Once you accept or reject Harkon’s gift, you’re locked into that faction’s storyline.
FAQ #9: What are the benefits of siding with the Dawnguard?
The benefits of siding with the Dawnguard include access to powerful anti-vampire weapons, crossbows, and specialized armor. You’ll also be fighting for what many consider to be the “good” cause, protecting Skyrim from the vampire threat.
FAQ #10: What are the benefits of siding with the vampires?
The benefits of siding with the vampires include becoming a powerful Vampire Lord with unique abilities and spells. You’ll also gain access to the resources and influence of Castle Volkihar, as well as new thralls.
FAQ #11: Does my race affect my ability to join either faction?
No, your race does not affect your ability to join either the Dawnguard or the Volkihar. Any race can choose to side with either faction.
FAQ #12: How does siding with the vampires affect my interactions with other NPCs in Skyrim?
Siding with the vampires can lead to negative interactions with some NPCs, particularly those who are morally opposed to vampires or who have lost loved ones to them. Guards may also comment on your appearance if you haven’t fed recently, reflecting your increasingly gaunt appearance.
FAQ #13: Are there any unique quests or rewards specific to the Dawnguard?
Yes, the Dawnguard offers unique quests focused on hunting vampires and eradicating their lairs. Rewards include enhanced crossbows, specialized armor, and powerful spells.
FAQ #14: Are there any unique quests or rewards specific to the Volkihar vampires?
Yes, the Volkihar vampires offer unique quests related to expanding their influence and carrying out Harkon’s plans. Rewards include new Vampire Lord abilities, powerful spells, and access to unique vampire-themed items.
FAQ #15: Can I change my mind after choosing a side?
No, not without using console commands (if you are on PC) or reloading a previous save. Once you commit to either the Dawnguard or the vampires, your choice is permanent for that playthrough. This is a very consequential choice in the game, be sure to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Destiny
Ultimately, the question of whether you can “betray” the Dawnguard in Skyrim is a complex one, deeply rooted in the game’s narrative structure and player choice. While there’s no true system of double agency, the act of embracing vampirism and aligning with Lord Harkon is, in effect, a betrayal of everything the Dawnguard stands for. Choose wisely, for your decision will shape your destiny in the war against the night. Embrace the hunt!