Can You Walk Both Sides of the Aetherius Gate? Exploring Vampire and Dawnguard Quests in Skyrim
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Yes, you can begin both the Vampire and Dawnguard questlines in Skyrim, but you will eventually have to choose a side. While there’s some initial flexibility, the game will force you to commit to either the Dawnguard or the Volkihar vampires to progress further in the story. This article will explore the nuances of navigating these questlines, helping you make informed decisions and maximize your gameplay experience.
The Dawnguard and Volkihar: An Uneasy Alliance… Briefly
The Dawnguard DLC introduces a complex conflict between the ancient Volkihar vampire clan, led by the powerful Lord Harkon, and the Dawnguard, a group of vampire hunters dedicated to eradicating the vampire threat. Initially, you’re free to explore both sides of this conflict. You can approach the Dawnguard fortress, located in Dayspring Canyon, or accept Harkon’s offer within Castle Volkihar.
Early Stages: Playing the Field
In the early stages of the Dawnguard questline, you can freely accept quests from both the Dawnguard and the vampires. This allows you to get a feel for each faction, their motivations, and the types of missions they offer. This is the perfect time to familiarize yourself with the lore and characters involved. However, this period of neutrality won’t last.
The Turning Point: Choosing Your Allegiance
The critical point arrives when you are tasked with retrieving a powerful artifact – Auriel’s Bow. To progress this stage, you must choose which faction you will align with. If you’re a vampire, you will retrieve the bow on behalf of Harkon. If you choose the Dawnguard, you will do so with Isran’s blessing and support. This decision is a point of no return. Once you commit to one side, the other becomes hostile.
Consequences of Your Choice
Choosing the Dawnguard offers access to unique anti-vampire weaponry, including crossbows and enhanced silver weapons. You’ll also gain the support of dedicated vampire hunters and healers. Joining the Volkihar vampires grants you access to vampiric powers, including the transformative Vampire Lord form, and allows you to reside within Castle Volkihar, alongside other powerful vampires.
Maximizing Your Options Before Committing
Before making your final decision, take advantage of the initial period of neutrality:
- Complete early quests for both factions: This will give you a better understanding of their ideologies and rewards.
- Explore Castle Volkihar and Dayspring Canyon: Familiarize yourself with the environments and characters.
- Experiment with vampire abilities (if you become one): See if the Vampire Lord form suits your playstyle.
- Gather unique items: Some items are easier to obtain early on, regardless of your final choice.
- Speak to Serana extensively: Serana is central to the Dawnguard DLC, and her perspective is invaluable regardless of your final choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I join the Dawnguard if I’m already a vampire?
Yes, you can join the Dawnguard initially, but they will eventually require you to cure your vampirism before allowing you to continue their questline. Isran, the leader of the Dawnguard, will insist that you seek a cure before trusting you with important missions.
2. Can I become a Vampire Lord if I side with the Dawnguard?
Yes, Serana can turn you into a Vampire Lord even if you side with the Dawnguard, especially after completing the questline. She will offer to bestow the gift upon you later in the game, regardless of your alliance.
3. What happens if I side with the Dawnguard as a Vampire Lord?
If you are already a Vampire Lord and side with the Dawnguard, they will be hesitant to trust you. They’ll tell you to get cured and won’t give you any quests until you do. You will be able to go through with the DLC by following the main questline.
4. Can I cure Serana?
Yes, you can cure Serana of her vampirism after finishing the Dawnguard DLC. You need to take her to Falion in Morthal, who can perform a ritual to cure her.
5. Can I marry Serana?
Without mods, no, you cannot marry Serana. She is not a marriage candidate in the vanilla version of Skyrim. Some mods available through various online sources allow you to marry Serana.
6. Can I join the Dawnguard as a werewolf?
Yes, you can side with the Dawnguard as a Werewolf without any issues. Your lycanthropy doesn’t affect your standing with them.
7. Is Serana still essential after the Dawnguard questline?
Yes, Serana remains an essential character throughout the game, meaning she cannot be killed, even after the Dawnguard questline is completed.
8. Can you get Auriel’s Bow regardless of which side you choose?
Yes, you can obtain Auriel’s Bow whether you side with the Dawnguard or the Volkihar vampires. The quest to retrieve it is a central part of the Dawnguard DLC, regardless of your allegiance.
9. Can you turn your spouse into a vampire if you side with the Dawnguard?
If you sided with the vampires, the Dragonborn will eventually get the quest “The Gift” The Dragonborn will have to do the task of turning their spouse into a vampire, by again feeding on them as they sleep.
10. What are the benefits of siding with the Dawnguard?
Siding with the Dawnguard gives you access to unique anti-vampire weaponry such as crossbows, enhanced silver weapons, and specialized armor. You also gain the support of dedicated vampire hunters and access to healers.
11. What are the benefits of siding with the Volkihar vampires?
Joining the Volkihar vampires grants you the ability to transform into a powerful Vampire Lord, access to unique vampiric abilities and spells, and the opportunity to live within Castle Volkihar alongside other powerful vampires.
12. Is it better to be a Vampire Lord or a Werewolf?
This depends on your playstyle. Vampire Lords are generally stronger, especially in the late game, with powerful spells and abilities. Werewolves offer a more melee-focused experience with high damage output and resistance to diseases.
13. Can you get Harkon’s Sword if you join the Dawnguard?
Yes, you can acquire Harkon’s Sword regardless of which side you choose. It is obtained after defeating Harkon in the final quest of the Dawnguard DLC.
14. Can Aela the Huntress become a vampire?
No, Aela the Huntress cannot contract vampirism because she is already a werewolf and therefore immune to diseases like vampirism.
15. What did Molag Bal do to Serana?
While the circumstances are disturbing, it’s stated that both Serana and her mother Valerica willingly gave themselves to Molag Bal as part of a ritual, not forcefully. It was a sacrifice made to gain power and knowledge.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the Dawnguard DLC’s complex choices can greatly affect your Skyrim experience. Remember to explore both factions before committing, and weigh the benefits of each side carefully. Understanding the consequences of your choices will help you craft a unique and compelling Dragonborn story. Want to learn more about game narratives and choices? Explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. You’ll find valuable information on how games can educate and engage players in meaningful ways.