Do I Get a Reward for Finding Your Daughter in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide to Serana and Her Father
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Yes, you absolutely get a reward for finding Serana, Lord Harkon’s daughter, in Skyrim. The reward, however, is far more significant than a simple handful of gold or a powerful weapon. It is the opportunity to become a Vampire Lord, a powerful being with access to unique abilities and transformations. Lord Harkon offers you his blood, bestowing upon you the gift (or curse, depending on your perspective) of vampirism and making you a member of the Volkihar Clan. This marks the beginning of your journey into the Dawnguard DLC storyline and sets you on a path that dramatically alters your character’s abilities and alliances. This choice impacts your experience of the game fundamentally and is a turning point for your character.
Understanding the Volkihar Clan and the Dawnguard DLC
The Dawnguard DLC presents players with a pivotal choice: side with the Dawnguard, a group of vampire hunters dedicated to eradicating the undead threat, or align with the Volkihar Clan, a powerful group of vampires seeking to plunge Skyrim into eternal darkness. Finding Serana is the catalyst for this decision. When you bring her back to Castle Volkihar, Lord Harkon offers you the gift of vampirism, which will greatly alter your role in the story.
The Significance of Harkon’s Gift
Accepting Harkon’s gift is a game-changer. As a Vampire Lord, you gain access to a new skill tree, unique powers like Blood Magic and the ability to transform into a monstrous bat-like creature. However, you also inherit the weaknesses of a vampire: vulnerability to sunlight, a need to feed on blood, and potential hostility from NPCs. You can always take on the path of vampire hunter and join the Dawnguard, too, and refuse to become a Vampire Lord.
FAQs: Navigating the Serana and Harkon Questline
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the complexities of finding Serana and dealing with Lord Harkon:
What happens if I refuse Harkon’s gift?
If you refuse Harkon’s offer to become a Vampire Lord, you will be banished from Castle Volkihar and unable to re-enter. You’ll then need to return to Isran, the leader of the Dawnguard, and continue the questline from their perspective.
What are the benefits of becoming a Vampire Lord?
Becoming a Vampire Lord grants you access to a unique skill tree and powerful abilities, including transforming into a Vampire Lord form, using Blood Magic, and summoning gargoyles. The Bloodstone Chalice, Amulets of Night Power, and Rings of Blood Magic can further enhance these powers.
What are the downsides of being a Vampire Lord?
The primary downside is the vulnerability to sunlight, which prevents health, stamina, and magicka regeneration while outdoors during the day. You also need to feed on blood to avoid progressing through vampire stages, which can lead to increased hostility from NPCs.
Can I cure my vampirism after becoming a Vampire Lord?
Yes, you can cure your vampirism after becoming a Vampire Lord. You’ll need to complete the Dawnguard questline and then seek out Falion in Morthal. He can perform a ritual to cure you of vampirism.
Can I become a Vampire Lord later if I initially refuse Harkon’s offer?
Yes, even if you initially refuse Harkon’s offer and side with the Dawnguard, you can later become a Vampire Lord. Serana will offer you the opportunity during the “Chasing Echoes” quest.
What happens when I lead Serana back to Castle Volkihar?
When you lead Serana back to Castle Volkihar, new enemies in the form of Gargoyles appear. Serana will assist you in combat. This marks your official introduction to the Volkihar Clan.
Can I join both the Dawnguard and the Volkihar Clan?
No, you cannot join both the Dawnguard and the Volkihar Clan simultaneously. You must choose a side after a certain point in the questline. Accepting Harkon’s gift to become a Vampire Lord will lock you into the Volkihar Clan, while refusing will commit you to the Dawnguard.
Is it better to side with the Dawnguard or the Volkihar Clan?
The “better” side depends on your playstyle and preferences. The Dawnguard offers a more traditional “good guy” experience with access to powerful crossbows and armored trolls. The Volkihar Clan provides unique vampire powers and a more morally ambiguous storyline.
What happens after I kill Harkon?
After Harkon is killed, you will either be approached by Isran or Garan Merethi. Isran will offer you membership in the Dawnguard if you are not a vampire. If you are a vampire, Garan Merethi will welcome you to stay at Castle Volkihar.
Can I marry Serana?
No, you cannot marry Serana without using mods. The game does not allow you to marry vampires.
Can Serana be cured of her vampirism?
Yes, Serana can be cured of her vampirism after completing the Dawnguard DLC. You can bring her to Falion in Morthal, who can perform a ritual to cure her.
Does Serana approve of me joining the Dawnguard?
Serana does not explicitly disapprove if you join the Dawnguard. She is integral to the story regardless of which side you choose, and her primary concern is resolving the threat posed by her father, Harkon.
Can I become the leader of Castle Volkihar?
Yes, if you side with the vampires and complete the Volkihar Clan questline, you will eventually become the leader (lord) of Castle Volkihar.
Does Serana want me to become a vampire?
Serana never explicitly states that she wants you to become a vampire. She presents the option but leaves the decision to you. Her primary concern is resolving the conflict and protecting herself and potentially others from Harkon’s ambitions.
Are Vampire Lords stronger than Werewolves?
Generally, Vampire Lords are considered stronger than werewolves, especially in the late game, due to their powerful spells, transformations, and unique abilities. However, personal preference and playstyle play a significant role in determining which form is “better” for you.
The Enduring Appeal of the Dawnguard DLC
The Dawnguard DLC remains a compelling addition to Skyrim due to its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and the impactful choice it presents players with. Whether you choose to embrace the power of the Vampire Lord or stand against the darkness with the Dawnguard, the experience offers hours of rewarding gameplay and expands the lore of the Elder Scrolls universe.
Remember, the choices you make in Skyrim have consequences, and your decision to accept or refuse Harkon’s gift will shape your character’s destiny. Take the time to consider the pros and cons of each path before making your final decision. Happy adventuring!
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