Can You Infect Someone with Vampirism in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
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The question of whether you can spread the curse of vampirism to others in Skyrim is a common one among players. The short answer is no, you cannot directly infect another NPC or player with vampirism in the base game or even with the Dawnguard DLC through direct interaction. While you, the Dragonborn, can contract Sanguinare Vampiris and eventually become a full-fledged vampire, and while certain NPCs can turn you into a vampire, you lack the ability to bestow this gift (or curse) upon others.
This limitation is woven into the game’s mechanics and narrative. Becoming a vampire is a personal journey, often triggered by specific events or encounters. This article will explore this concept further, delving into the intricacies of vampirism in Skyrim and answering some frequently asked questions.
Understanding Vampirism in Skyrim
Contracting Sanguinare Vampiris
The initial stage of vampirism in Skyrim starts with contracting Sanguinare Vampiris. This disease is transmitted through combat with vampires. Each attack from a vampire has a chance to infect you. Common places to encounter vampires include:
- Haemar’s Shame: A cave southwest of Ivarstead known for its vampire den.
- Movarth’s Lair: Located in Morthal’s hold.
- Various other caves and dungeons scattered throughout Skyrim.
If left untreated, Sanguinare Vampiris progresses into full-blown vampirism after three in-game days. You will start to experience the negative effects of being a vampire, such as vulnerability to sunlight and fire.
The Dawnguard DLC and Vampire Lord Transformation
The Dawnguard DLC adds another layer to the vampirism mechanic by introducing the Vampire Lord form. Players who side with the Volkihar vampires can be transformed into a Vampire Lord by Lord Harkon or Serana. However, this transformation is a specific event and does not grant the player the ability to turn others.
FAQs About Vampirism in Skyrim
Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to vampirism in Skyrim, covering everything from contracting the disease to curing it, and even the finer points of being a bloodsucking denizen of the night.
1. How do I become a vampire in Skyrim?
To become a vampire, you must contract Sanguinare Vampiris from a vampire enemy. Allow them to attack you until you contract the disease. If you want to become a Vampire Lord, side with the Volkihar vampires in the Dawnguard DLC and accept Lord Harkon’s gift, or later, ask Serana to turn you.
2. What happens if I don’t treat Sanguinare Vampiris?
If you don’t treat Sanguinare Vampiris within three in-game days, you will become a full vampire. You’ll start experiencing symptoms such as weakness to sunlight and increased resistance to diseases.
3. How do I cure Sanguinare Vampiris before it turns me into a vampire?
You can cure Sanguinare Vampiris with a potion of cure disease or by praying at a shrine before the three-day incubation period is over.
4. Where can I find potions of cure disease?
Potions of cure disease can be found in shops, alchemist stores, or crafted at an alchemy lab using ingredients like charred skeever hide and mudcrab chitin.
5. What are the stages of vampirism in Skyrim?
There are four stages of vampirism in Skyrim. Each stage is determined by how long it has been since you last fed on a living creature:
- Stage 1: Least affected by the negative effects, easiest to blend in.
- Stage 2: Effects become more pronounced.
- Stage 3: People start to notice your vampiric nature.
- Stage 4: Most vulnerable to sunlight, NPCs are hostile on sight unless you feed.
6. Can my spouse become a vampire in Skyrim?
While you can turn your spouse into a vampire through console commands or mods, it is not a feature available in the standard game.
7. Can I turn Serana into a human?
Yes, after completing the Dawnguard questline, you can convince Serana to seek a cure for her vampirism by talking to Falion in Morthal.
8. What are the benefits of being a vampire in Skyrim?
The benefits of being a vampire include increased resistance to disease and poison, stronger sneak abilities, and access to vampiric powers like Vampire’s Servant and Vampire Seduction. As a Vampire Lord, you gain access to powerful spells and abilities unique to that form.
9. What are the disadvantages of being a vampire in Skyrim?
The disadvantages of being a vampire include vulnerability to sunlight (which can halt regeneration and reduce stats) and weakness to fire. At later stages of vampirism, NPCs may become hostile.
10. How do I feed as a vampire in Skyrim?
To feed as a vampire, approach a sleeping NPC and activate them. You will have the option to feed. If you have “Prevent Attacking Innocents” enabled in the gameplay settings, you may need to disable it temporarily.
11. Can you be a vampire and a werewolf at the same time in Skyrim?
No, you cannot be both a vampire and a werewolf simultaneously. Becoming a werewolf will cure you of vampirism, and vice versa.
12. How do I cure vampirism in Skyrim?
You can cure vampirism by completing the quest “Rising at Dawn”. Speak to innkeepers to start the quest, which will lead you to Falion in Morthal. You’ll need a filled black soul gem for the ritual.
13. What happens if I am a Vampire Lord?
As a Vampire Lord, you gain access to a unique skill tree and powerful abilities. You can transform into a winged creature to fly and battle enemies with blood magic and claws. However, you are still vulnerable to sunlight and fire.
14. Can NPCs be poisoned?
Most living NPCs in Skyrim can be poisoned. However, undead enemies like vampires are immune to poison.
15. If I cure my vampirism, can I become a vampire again?
Yes, if you cure your vampirism, you can contract Sanguinare Vampiris again or ask Serana to turn you into a Vampire Lord if you have sided with the Volkihar vampires during the Dawnguard DLC.
The Allure of Vampirism
While you cannot directly turn others into vampires in Skyrim, the allure of vampirism remains strong. The dark powers, enhanced abilities, and unique storyline presented by the Dawnguard DLC make playing as a vampire a compelling experience. Understanding the mechanics and consequences of vampirism can enhance your gameplay and allow you to make informed choices about your character’s path.
Ultimately, Skyrim offers a deep and engaging exploration of the vampire mythos, allowing players to immerse themselves in the role of a creature of the night, albeit one that can’t share its gift (or curse) directly with others.
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