Can You Do Dawnguard as a Werewolf? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, absolutely! You can side with the Dawnguard as a werewolf in Skyrim. Being a werewolf doesn’t lock you out of the Dawnguard questline. In fact, for many players, embracing lycanthropy can make the early stages of the Dawnguard DLC easier due to the increased combat prowess it provides. While there are some considerations, being a werewolf is perfectly compatible with the vampire-hunting faction. Let’s delve into the details and address any concerns you might have about combining these two aspects of your character in Skyrim.
Navigating the Dawnguard Questline as a Werewolf
The crucial point to remember is that the Dawnguard questline branches depending on whether you accept Lord Harkon’s offer to become a Vampire Lord during the “Bloodline” quest. If you refuse, you remain aligned with the Dawnguard. Being a werewolf has no bearing on this choice. You can be a hairy, howling beast and still tell Harkon where to stick his fangs.
The initial benefits of being a werewolf while playing through the Dawnguard are significant. The increased strength and stamina, particularly the powerful sprint attack, can make short work of the early enemies encountered in the questline, such as the initial vampires and death hounds. Furthermore, your 100% disease resistance as a werewolf is always a welcome perk.
The Potential Conflict: Vampire Lord Transformation
The one potential hiccup arises when you consider becoming a Vampire Lord yourself. If you embrace Harkon’s gift, you’ll be cured of lycanthropy, and transforming back and forth will require a trip to Serana.
However, if you want to experience the Vampire Lord gameplay without permanently sacrificing your werewolf form, it’s important to choose the Dawnguard and avoid accepting Harkon’s offer.
FAQs: Werewolves and the Dawnguard
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide more clarity on being a werewolf while participating in the Dawnguard questline:
1. Can I join the Dawnguard as a werewolf right from the start?
Yes! Your lycanthropy is irrelevant to your ability to join the Dawnguard. Head to Fort Dawnguard and speak with Isran to begin the questline. The Dawnguard won’t discriminate based on your furry tendencies (at least not initially).
2. Will being a werewolf affect my interactions with Dawnguard members?
Generally, no. Dawnguard members are primarily concerned with eradicating vampires. As long as you’re on their side in that fight, they won’t hold your lycanthropy against you. However, transforming in front of them will still incur the standard hostility that happens with anyone else.
3. Can Serana cure my lycanthropy?
Yes. If you accept Serana’s offer to become a Vampire Lord, she will transform you, and this transformation will cure your lycanthropy. This is a one-way trip unless you seek out Aela the Huntress later to regain your werewolf powers.
4. Can I become a Vampire Lord if I’m already a werewolf?
No, you cannot directly become a Vampire Lord while being a werewolf. Lycanthropy grants complete disease immunity, preventing you from contracting vampirism. You must first cure your werewolf status.
5. Will Serana still follow me if I’m a werewolf?
Yes, Serana will follow you regardless of your status as a werewolf. She is essential to the Dawnguard questline and will accompany you through the Soul Cairn and beyond, no matter which side you choose.
6. Does being a werewolf affect my ability to enter the Soul Cairn?
No, being a werewolf does not restrict your access to the Soul Cairn. You’ll still need to become partially soul-trapped or temporarily become a vampire (through Serana) to enter, but your werewolf status won’t prevent this.
7. Is it better to be a werewolf or a Vampire Lord during the Dawnguard questline?
That depends on your playstyle. Vampire Lords, especially in the late game, offer a potent and versatile set of powers. Werewolves provide strong melee combat and disease immunity. If you enjoy powerful ranged magic and have a strong character outside of transformations, Vampire Lord is better. If you prefer melee and the immunity, werewolf is better.
8. What are the disadvantages of being a werewolf during the Dawnguard questline?
The main disadvantage is the incompatibility with becoming a Vampire Lord. If you want to experience both transformations, you’ll need to cure your lycanthropy and then potentially become a werewolf again later. Also, maintaining werewolf form requires feeding, which some players find tedious.
9. Can I side with the vampires and still become a werewolf later?
Yes! After completing the Dawnguard questline (on either side) and curing your vampirism, you can return to Aela the Huntress of the Companions and ask her to restore your lycanthropy. This is an unlimited service.
10. What happens if I transform into a werewolf inside Fort Dawnguard?
The Dawnguard members will likely become hostile. It’s generally best to avoid transforming in populated areas, as it carries a 1,000 septim bounty.
11. Can I marry Serana if I’m a werewolf?
Officially, no. Skyrim does not allow you to marry Serana without the use of mods. Whether you are a werewolf or not is irrelevant. Look for the “Marriable Serana” mod.
12. Is it worth becoming a werewolf just for the disease resistance during the Dawnguard questline?
The 100% disease resistance is a significant perk, especially when facing vampires. However, potions and enchantments can provide similar protection. So, it’s worth considering based on your overall character build and playstyle.
13. Can I cure my vampirism and regain my werewolf form multiple times?
Yes, you can cure your vampirism by speaking to Falion in Morthal after acquiring a Black Soul Gem. And as stated, Aela the Huntress can give you lycanthropy. Thus you can switch back and forth if that’s your wish.
14. What’s the best race to be a werewolf during the Dawnguard questline?
The best race depends on your preferred playstyle. Nords receive a bonus to Two-Handed weapons, which pairs nicely with the werewolf’s melee focus. Redguards benefit from Adrenaline Rush, which is a powerful combat ability. However, any race can be an effective werewolf.
15. Does the Serana Dialogue Add-on affect my ability to be a werewolf during the Dawnguard questline?
The Serana Dialogue Add-on enhances Serana’s dialogue, but it doesn’t fundamentally alter the core mechanics of being a werewolf or interacting with the Dawnguard questline. It simply adds more depth to her character and reactions, including acknowledging your lycanthropy.
Conclusion: Embrace Your Inner Beast (or Vampire Hunter)
Ultimately, playing the Dawnguard questline as a werewolf is a viable and enjoyable option. While you will want to choose whether you want to be a vampire lord, you can always change between the forms. Embrace the beast within while fighting the undead scourge, or cure yourself and become a dedicated vampire hunter – the choice is yours. Enjoy the adventure!
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