Can You Be a Vampire Hunter and a Cold-Blooded Killer? Joining Dawnguard and Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim
Yes, you absolutely can join both the Dawnguard and the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim. There are no inherent conflicts between these two factions, allowing you to role-play as a righteous vampire hunter by day and a shadowy assassin by night (or vice-versa, if you prefer the nocturnal lifestyle). The game allows you to be a member of almost all factions simultaneously, with the major exception being the Imperial Legion and the Stormcloaks, where you’re forced to choose a side in the civil war. So, embrace the duality of your Skyrim character and enjoy the diverse quests and rewards that both factions offer!
Skyrim’s Faction Flexibility
Skyrim is renowned for its non-linear gameplay and the freedom it gives players to shape their own destinies. Unlike some RPGs that restrict your allegiances based on alignment, Skyrim allows you to be a member of nearly every organization, regardless of their moral standing. This means you can be a hero, a villain, or something in between – the choice is entirely yours. This flexibility extends to the Dawnguard and the Dark Brotherhood, creating some interesting role-playing opportunities.
No Moral Conflicts (Directly)
While there’s no technical conflict preventing you from joining both factions, it’s important to consider the moral implications. The Dawnguard is dedicated to eradicating the vampire threat, while the Dark Brotherhood is a guild of assassins who engage in cold-blooded murder for profit. It’s up to you to decide how your character reconciles these vastly different ideologies. Maybe you’re using the Dawnguard to hone your combat skills before returning to the shadows of the Brotherhood, or perhaps you see your actions within the Brotherhood as a necessary evil for the greater good.
Benefits of Dual Membership
Joining both the Dawnguard and Dark Brotherhood unlocks a wealth of content, including:
- Unique quests and storylines: Experience the distinct narratives offered by each faction.
- Specialized skills and abilities: Develop your character’s combat prowess and stealth abilities.
- Exclusive gear and rewards: Acquire powerful weapons, armor, and other valuable items.
- Diverse role-playing opportunities: Craft a compelling character with complex motivations and allegiances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding faction affiliations and other related topics in Skyrim:
1. Can I join all guilds in Skyrim?
Yes, with the exception of the Imperial Legion and Stormcloaks, you can join all other guilds in Skyrim, including the Companions, College of Winterhold, Thieves Guild, and, as we’ve established, both the Dawnguard and the Dark Brotherhood. This allows for a vast range of character builds and gameplay experiences.
2. What are the consequences of joining the Dark Brotherhood?
The primary consequence is the moral burden of engaging in assassination. You’ll be required to kill various characters, some of whom may be innocent or even likeable. While there’s no direct gameplay penalty, you might face disapproval from certain NPCs or experience internal conflict as your character grapples with their actions.
3. Is it possible to destroy the Dark Brotherhood?
Yes, it is possible to destroy the Dark Brotherhood. After receiving the quest “Innocence Lost,” instead of following Astrid’s instructions, you can inform a guard and begin the quest “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!”. This will lead you on a quest to eliminate the entire guild.
4. Can I become the leader of the Dark Brotherhood?
Yes, you can become the leader of the Dark Brotherhood after completing their main questline. You’ll inherit the title of Listener and be responsible for guiding the guild’s future. This also grants you access to special perks and responsibilities.
5. How do I start the Dawnguard questline?
To start the Dawnguard questline, you need to be at least level 10. After reaching this level, you will overhear guards talking about a group of vampire hunters. You can then travel to Fort Dawnguard, located in the southeastern corner of the map, to join their ranks.
6. What are the benefits of joining the Dawnguard?
Joining the Dawnguard provides access to unique weapons, armor, and abilities specifically designed for vampire hunting. You’ll also gain access to specialized crossbows, powerful spells, and the support of other experienced vampire hunters.
7. Can I become a vampire in Skyrim?
Yes, you can become a vampire in Skyrim by contracting the disease Sanguinare Vampiris. This can happen through combat with vampires. If left untreated, you’ll eventually transform into a full-fledged vampire, gaining new abilities and weaknesses.
8. Can I cure vampirism?
Yes, vampirism can be cured in Skyrim. You can seek assistance from Falion in Morthal, who will perform a ritual to restore your humanity. Alternatively, joining the Dawnguard also provides access to ways to manage and potentially cure your vampirism.
9. What are the weaknesses of being a vampire?
Vampires in Skyrim are vulnerable to sunlight, which reduces their health, magicka, and stamina during the day. They also face negative reactions from some NPCs, who may fear or distrust them. They also are affected by fire damage more.
10. Is there a “best” faction to join in Skyrim?
There is no objectively “best” faction to join in Skyrim. The ideal choice depends on your character’s role-playing preferences and desired gameplay experience. Each faction offers unique quests, rewards, and storylines, catering to different playstyles and moral alignments. For a deeper dive into the Games Learning Society research on player choice and alignment in games, see GamesLearningSociety.org.
11. Can I get married in Skyrim?
Yes, you can get married in Skyrim. You’ll need to acquire an Amulet of Mara and speak with potential spouses to express your interest. Once married, your spouse will live in your chosen home and provide various benefits, such as cooking meals and opening a store.
12. What happens if I kill an essential NPC?
Essential NPCs cannot be killed. They will simply fall to their knees or become incapacitated, eventually recovering. This prevents critical plotlines from being broken due to the death of a key character. While they cannot permanently die, it can still affect certain quest outcomes.
13. What should I avoid doing in Skyrim?
Some things to avoid in Skyrim include:
- Spreading your skills too thin: Focus on developing a specific skillset to become truly powerful.
- Stealing from chickens: Chickens are surprisingly well-protected and will alert the entire town to your crimes.
- Ignoring the main questline entirely: While Skyrim encourages exploration, the main quest provides valuable insights into the game’s lore and introduces key characters.
- Storing items in unsafe containers: Ensure that your storage locations are secure to prevent items from disappearing.
14. Is there a level cap in Skyrim?
Skyrim originally had a level cap of 81, but with updates and DLC, this cap has been effectively removed. You can continue to level up your character indefinitely by mastering all skills and resetting them to legendary status.
15. Can I respec my character in Skyrim?
No, there is no default mechanism to respec your character in Skyrim. However, certain questlines, particularly those related to Dragonborn DLC, may allow you to refund perk points in a skill tree. You can also use console commands (on PC) or mods to achieve a similar effect.