Can You Still Be a Vampire if You Choose Dawnguard? The Ultimate Skyrim Guide
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Yes, absolutely! Even if you initially side with the Dawnguard in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim’s Dawnguard DLC, you can still become a Vampire Lord. This flexibility allows you to experience the best of both worlds, at least for a while. The key lies with Serana, a powerful pureblood vampire. She can offer you the Vampire Lord transformation even if you are a staunch member of the vampire-hunting Dawnguard. You can transform before she cures herself.
H2: Embracing the Night: How to Become a Vampire Lord After Joining the Dawnguard
The process is straightforward. After completing certain quests within the Dawnguard storyline, you’ll have numerous opportunities to have Serana turn you into a Vampire Lord. This transformation doesn’t immediately force you out of the Dawnguard, but there are consequences. You can continue the quests as a vampire.
H3: The Transformation Process
Serana, being a pureblood vampire, possesses the ability to bestow the Vampire Lord power. The game presents clear dialogue options allowing you to accept her offer. When you accept the offer, you’ll undergo a transformation sequence. After this, you will then gain the Vampire Lord form and associated abilities.
H3: Navigating the Consequences
Becoming a Vampire Lord while aligned with the Dawnguard comes with risks. The Dawnguard are dedicated vampire hunters, and revealing your vampiric nature can lead to immediate hostility. While you might be able to get away with it for a short while, prolonged exposure or blatant displays of your Vampire Lord abilities will undoubtedly turn them against you. It is important to be aware of your surroundings. You can still transform into a Vampire Lord away from the fort.
H2: Dawnguard or Volkihar: Weighing the Options
Choosing between the Dawnguard and the Volkihar clan is a significant decision.
- Dawnguard: Siding with the Dawnguard grants access to unique crossbows, armored trolls as followers, and a storyline focused on eradicating vampires. Many perceive them to be more morally righteous.
- Volkihar Clan: Joining the Volkihar clan grants you permanent access to Castle Volkihar, powerful Vampire Lord abilities, and a storyline that explores the darker side of Skyrim. If you want to be a vampire, you are getting your full story.
The choice depends entirely on your preferred playstyle and moral alignment. However, remember, you can experience elements of both sides by becoming a Vampire Lord even after joining the Dawnguard. This will allow you to gain some insight of the other faction.
H2: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding vampirism and the Dawnguard DLC:
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Can I refuse Harkon’s gift and still become a Vampire Lord?
Yes! Serana will offer to turn you into a Vampire Lord multiple times throughout the DLC, regardless of whether you accept Harkon’s initial offer.
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What happens if I become a Vampire Lord after joining the Dawnguard?
The Dawnguard will likely become hostile if they discover your vampiric nature. It’s best to avoid prolonged interaction with them in your Vampire Lord form.
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What happens if I let Serana turn me into a vampire?
You gain the Vampire Lord transformation, granting you powerful abilities. However, you will also be partially soul trapped temporarily. Valacia will guide you where it is to get it back. You may miss out on other side quests.
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Is being a Vampire Lord or a Werewolf better?
Vampire Lords are generally considered stronger, especially in the late game. However, werewolves have their own advantages. This is primarily their ease of transformation. Werewolves are also resistant to diseases.
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Is it better to side with Harkon or the Dawnguard?
If you want to embrace the Vampire Lord lifestyle, siding with Harkon is beneficial. If you prefer hunting vampires, the Dawnguard is the better choice.
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Is it better to accept Harkon’s gift or not?
Accepting Harkon’s gift grants you early access to the Volkihar storyline and abilities. Refusing it doesn’t lock you out of becoming a Vampire Lord later. Also, if you refuse Harkon’s offer you’ll miss out on two quests where you get special rings and amulets that make you stronger in vampire lord forme.
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Does Serana want to be cured?
Initially, Serana is content with her vampiric state and doesn’t express a desire to be cured. You can eventually influence her to seek a cure after completing the main questline.
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Can you marry Serana if you join the Dawnguard?
Unfortunately, you cannot marry Serana without mods. While she acknowledges your friendship, marriage isn’t an option.
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Is there a downside to becoming a vampire in Skyrim?
The main downsides include weakness to sunlight, which inhibits health, stamina, and magicka regeneration. Additionally, NPCs can become hostile.
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Should I join Volkihar or Dawnguard?
The main questlines are functionally similar. The choice depends on whether you want to embrace the Vampire Lord lifestyle or hunt vampires.
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Does Serana like the Dragonborn?
Yes, Serana considers the Dragonborn a close friend, regardless of your choices during the DLC.
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Is Serana still essential after Dawnguard?
Yes, Serana remains an essential character, meaning she cannot be killed. This makes her a valuable companion throughout the game.
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What to say to Serana to cure her?
To eventually convince Serana to seek a cure, ask her “Are you all right?” after completing the main questline, rather than directly asking about a cure.
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Can you get Harkon’s sword if you side with the Dawnguard?
Yes, you can still obtain Harkon’s Sword even if you side with the Dawnguard. The latter part of the questline is largely the same regardless of your initial choice.
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Can I become a Vampire Lord again after being cured?
Yes, if you are cured of vampirism, you can ask Serana to turn you into a Vampire Lord again, provided she hasn’t been cured herself.
H2: Vampire or Hunter: A Balancing Act
Becoming a Vampire Lord after joining the Dawnguard offers a unique gameplay experience. You gain access to powerful vampiric abilities while technically remaining aligned with the vampire hunters. It requires careful management. You should maintain relationships, which are essential, especially if you want to go back to being a vampire hunter.
However, it is important to understand that this can lead to conflicts and consequences. Balancing your allegiance to the Dawnguard with your vampiric nature adds an extra layer of complexity to your Skyrim adventure.
H2: Explore the Intersection of Games and Learning
Interested in the intersection of games, learning, and society? Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to discover research, resources, and a community passionate about the power of games in education and beyond.