Can You Cure Being a Vampire Lord in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, you absolutely can cure yourself of Vampire Lordism in Skyrim, but it requires a bit more legwork than curing regular vampirism. The process involves finding the right NPC and fulfilling specific requirements, making it a noteworthy journey for any Dragonborn.
Curing Vampire Lordism: The Falion Method
The key to curing your Vampire Lord affliction lies with Falion, a scholar residing in Morthal. He’s an expert on all things related to the undead, and he possesses the knowledge to reverse your vampiric transformation.
Initiating the Cure
- Seek Information: Head to any inn across Skyrim and ask the innkeeper for rumors. Continue asking until they mention Falion in Morthal, a scholar who studies strange things. This will trigger the quest objective to seek him out.
- Find Falion: Travel to Morthal and locate Falion. He can usually be found at his home, in the marshes, or near the summoning stones outside of town.
- The Ritual: Speak with Falion. He will inform you that he requires a filled Black Soul Gem to perform the ritual that will cure you.
- Acquire a Black Soul Gem: This is a crucial step. You’ll need a Black Soul Gem and a willing, or unwilling, human soul to trap. You can obtain an empty Black Soul Gem in several ways. Sometimes you can buy them from Enthir at the College of Winterhold. Alternatively, you can find them in various locations tied to necromancers.
- Fill the Gem: Use the Soul Trap spell or weapon enchantment on a human NPC before they die. Ensure the Black Soul Gem is in your inventory when the soul is released. This will fill the gem with their soul.
- The Cure: Return to Falion with the filled Black Soul Gem. He will take the gem and ask you to meet him at the summoning stones outside Morthal at dawn. At dawn, meet him there, and he will perform the ritual, curing you of your Vampire Lord status.
Important Considerations:
- Dawnguard DLC is Required: This entire process is only possible if you have the Dawnguard DLC installed, as it introduces the Vampire Lord form and the associated questlines.
- Curing Regular Vampirism: If you’re simply a regular vampire and not a Vampire Lord, the process is the same. Asking innkeepers for rumors will lead you to Falion, and he can cure you with a filled Black Soul Gem.
- Repeatable Cure: You can repeat this process as many times as you want, provided you have a filled Black Soul Gem each time. This allows you to switch between being a Vampire Lord and a mortal if you desire.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Curing Vampire Lordism
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about curing Vampire Lordism in Skyrim, along with detailed answers to help you navigate this undead dilemma:
1. Can I become a Vampire Lord again after being cured?
Yes, you can become a Vampire Lord again after being cured. Serana will offer to turn you back into a Vampire Lord an unlimited number of times, unless you convince her to cure herself of vampirism.
2. Can I cure Vampirism/Vampire Lordism and still join the Dawnguard?
You can cure your vampirism/Vampire Lordism through Falion, but joining the Dawnguard depends on your choices during the Dawnguard questline. Curing yourself doesn’t automatically disqualify you. You can still side with the Dawnguard during the questline, even if you accepted Lord Harkon’s gift initially.
3. How many times can I cure Vampire Lordism?
You can cure Vampire Lordism as many times as you have filled Black Soul Gems and are willing to visit Falion. Serana will always offer to turn you back, so the cycle can continue indefinitely.
4. Can you cure Serana of her vampirism?
Yes, you can cure Serana of her vampirism. After completing the Dawnguard questline, you can suggest to her that she seeks a cure. If she agrees, she will go to Falion and undergo the same ritual as the player character. This will make her mortal as well.
5. What are the disadvantages of being a Vampire Lord in Skyrim?
The disadvantages include:
- Weakness to Sunlight: Reduced health, stamina, and magicka regeneration during the day.
- Hostile NPCs: Depending on your stage of vampirism, NPCs may become hostile.
- Feeding Required: To avoid progressing to later stages of vampirism, you need to feed regularly.
- Appearance Changes: A pale complexion and glowing eyes, which some players may not prefer.
6. Is being a Vampire Lord better than joining the Dawnguard?
This is a matter of preference. Vampire Lords gain powerful abilities and perks, while joining the Dawnguard provides unique weapons, armor, and a sense of fighting for good. Both sides offer unique questlines and rewards. Most consider the Dawnguard to be the ‘better choice’, as it is considered to be the ‘good choice’.
7. Is Vampire Lord or Werewolf better?
Vampire Lords are generally considered more powerful, especially at higher levels. They have a versatile range of spells, abilities, and a unique perk tree. Werewolves excel in melee combat and raw strength but lack the ranged options and versatility of Vampire Lords.
8. Can I keep Serana as a follower if I cure my Vampire Lordism?
Yes, you can keep Serana as a follower even if you cure your Vampire Lordism. She will remain a valuable and powerful companion regardless of your vampiric status, although her dialogue may change slightly.
9. Should I be a vampire or a werewolf in Skyrim?
This depends on your playstyle. Vampires excel in magic, stealth, and manipulation, while werewolves are powerful melee combatants. Choose the form that best suits your preferred way of playing the game. Keep in mind you can become either, cure yourself, and then become the other.
10. What are the benefits of being a Vampire Lord in Skyrim?
The benefits include:
- Powerful Spells and Abilities: Access to unique Vampire Lord spells and abilities, such as Blood Magic, Raise Dead, and Bats.
- Enhanced Stats: Increased Magicka, Health, and Stamina.
- Resistances: Immunity to disease and poison.
- Unique Perk Tree: A dedicated perk tree that enhances Vampire Lord abilities.
- Cool factor: Some consider it to be cool role-playing as a Vampire Lord.
11. Why won’t Falion cure me?
Several reasons might prevent Falion from curing you:
- Incorrect Time: The ritual must be performed at dawn.
- Missing Black Soul Gem: You must have a filled Black Soul Gem in your inventory.
- Bug: There is a bug that causes it to not work right away. You may need to fast travel somewhere else, and then fast travel back and try again.
12. Can a Khajiit become a Werewolf or Vampire Lord?
Yes, any race in Skyrim, including Khajiit, can become either a werewolf or a Vampire Lord. Your race has no bearing on your ability to contract these conditions.
13. Can you marry Serana if you join the Dawnguard or become a Vampire Lord?
Unfortunately, you cannot marry Serana in the unmodded version of Skyrim. Despite her extensive dialogue and compelling character, she is not a marriage candidate. However, mods are available that allow you to marry her.
14. What happens to Serana if I join the Dawnguard?
If you join the Dawnguard, Serana will continue to accompany you during the questline. After the main quest is complete, she will either reside at Fort Dawnguard or Castle Volkihar, depending on your choices.
15. Should I take Lord Harkon’s blood to become a Vampire Lord?
Taking Lord Harkon’s blood is the quickest way to become a Vampire Lord. Refusing the offer will simply mean you don’t get the vampire lord status. You can become a vampire lord by taking Lord Harkon’s blood or by having Serana turn you.
By understanding the process and nuances of curing Vampire Lordism, you can make informed decisions about your character’s fate in Skyrim. Whether you embrace the power of the night or seek the solace of mortality, the choice is yours. It’s this kind of dynamic decision-making that makes games such as Skyrim so engaging and ripe for analysis by organizations like the Games Learning Society, which explores the educational potential of gaming. Consider exploring GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about how games can be used for educational purposes.