Returning to Castle Volkihar After Harkon’s Demise: A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, you absolutely can go back to Castle Volkihar after killing Harkon in Skyrim. However, the reception you receive and the overall atmosphere will depend heavily on your previous choices, particularly whether you are a vampire or not. The castle dynamics change significantly after the death of its lord, and your status will determine how the remaining vampires treat you.
Life After Harkon: Volkihar’s New Reality
After the climactic battle that sees Lord Harkon vanquished, the power vacuum at Castle Volkihar becomes immediately apparent. The castle doesn’t crumble, and the vampires don’t suddenly vanish, but their interactions with you shift based on your chosen path. If you aligned with the Volkihar Clan, the initial reception will be different than if you sided with the Dawnguard.
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If you are a vampire: Upon your return, Garan Merethi will likely approach you, assuming you’re still a vampire. Castle Volkihar remains your home, though the atmosphere will be tinged with loss and a certain amount of uncertainty regarding the future leadership.
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If you are not a vampire: If you have cured yourself of vampirism after siding with the vampires or if you initially sided with the Dawnguard, returning to Castle Volkihar yields a very different experience. While you’ll be allowed to enter, the vampires will scorn you for abandoning their ways. They may make snide remarks and generally treat you with disdain. However, Serana will still retain her amicable relationship with you.
The key takeaway is that killing Harkon doesn’t lock you out of Castle Volkihar. You can always return, though the warmth of the welcome (or lack thereof) will depend on your allegiances and your current state of being. Even as a mortal or werewolf, you will be able to enter the castle, but some may disapprove.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Castle Volkihar After Harkon
H3 1. Can I become a Master Vampire again after killing Harkon?
The only way to become a Vampire Lord again after being cured is through Serana. Simply contracting sanguinare vampiris will only turn you into a regular vampire, not a Vampire Lord. You can become a normal vampire first, then ask Serana to grant you the Vampire Lord form.
H3 2. What if I cure myself of vampirism after siding with the Volkihar Clan?
If you cure yourself of vampirism after initially siding with the Volkihar Clan, you can still enter the castle. However, the inhabitants will openly express their disappointment and disdain. Serana, however, will remain an exception and can turn you back into a Vampire Lord at any time.
H3 3. Is there another way to get into Castle Volkihar besides the main entrance?
Yes, there is another way to access Castle Volkihar. You can attempt to swim there directly instead of using the Icewater Jetty or fast traveling. Some players also report using the plate glitch to clip through the gates.
H3 4. What happens if I return to Valerica in the Soul Cairn after killing Harkon?
If you return to Valerica in the Soul Cairn after defeating Harkon and inform her of his demise, she will finally feel safe enough to return to Castle Volkihar. She will relocate to her study within the castle and begin replanting her garden in the courtyard.
H3 5. What happens to the other vampires after Harkon’s death?
The vampires at Castle Volkihar remain, but the power structure is disrupted. Garan Merethi usually takes on a more prominent role, and the vampires continue their existence, albeit under a new, less forceful dynamic. They do not disband or become hostile towards you, unless you betrayed them and cured yourself.
H3 6. How do I convince Serana to cure her vampirism?
Convincing Serana to cure her vampirism is only possible if you sided with the Dawnguard and have specific conversations with her throughout the questline. It depends on making the right dialogue choices and expressing concern for her well-being.
H3 7. Can I enter Castle Volkihar as a werewolf?
Yes, you can enter Castle Volkihar as a werewolf. While the vampires will likely express disapproval and refuse to interact with you (except for Serana), they won’t be outright hostile. Serana can turn you back into a Vampire Lord, which cures your lycanthropy and allows you to interact with the other vampires again.
H3 8. Can I become Lord of Volkihar?
You can become a Vampire Lord when you side with Harkon. However, after his death, you don’t inherently become the “Lord of Volkihar” in terms of taking over his formal title or leadership role. The castle leadership becomes more ambiguous after his death, but Serana will still be able to transform you into a Vampire Lord.
H3 9. Can I become a Vampire Lord after rejecting Harkon initially?
Yes, even if you initially reject Harkon’s gift, you have another opportunity to become a Vampire Lord during the Chasing Echoes quest when you’re compelled to enter the Soul Cairn and Serana offers to turn you.
H3 10. How many times can Serana turn me into a Vampire Lord?
Serana can turn you into a Vampire Lord as many times as you want, provided you’ve completed the Dawnguard questline on either side. This allows you to switch between being a vampire and being cured (through the Dawnguard) as needed.
H3 11. What happens if I join the Dawnguard and then become a vampire?
If you join the Dawnguard and then become a vampire (for example, by accepting Serana’s offer to enter the Soul Cairn), you will be kicked out of the Dawnguard until you cure yourself of vampirism.
H3 12. Is it better to side with Harkon or the Dawnguard?
The best side to choose depends on your preferred playstyle. Siding with Harkon is ideal for those who want to embrace the Vampire Lord gameplay, while the Dawnguard is better for those who prefer hunting vampires and staying mortal.
H3 13. Can I marry Harkon?
Unfortunately, you cannot marry Harkon in the vanilla game. Despite the potential for an intriguing power couple, Harkon is already married to Valerica, even though they are estranged.
H3 14. What happens if I refuse Harkon’s gift?
If you refuse Harkon’s gift of vampirism, you will be banished from Castle Volkihar and unable to re-enter. You will then be directed to join the Dawnguard.
H3 15. Can Serana be cured if I sided with the vampires?
Yes, Serana can be cured even if you sided with the vampires. However, it requires specific dialogue choices during the questline. If you make the correct choices, you can eventually convince her to seek a cure for her vampirism. If you want to delve deeper into the world of games and learning, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. It is an excellent resource for information on how games are used in educational settings.
By following these guidelines and understanding the consequences of your choices, you can confidently navigate the post-Harkon landscape of Castle Volkihar and continue your adventures in Skyrim.