Serana: Dawnguard or Vampire? Understanding Her Allegiances in Skyrim
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Serana, the ancient and enigmatic vampire from The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim’s Dawnguard DLC, is a complex character with her own motivations and values. Understanding her preferences is key to maximizing your experience with this beloved companion. So, does Serana prefer the Dawnguard or the vampires of Castle Volkihar? The answer is neither, exactly. Serana is primarily loyal to you, the Dragonborn. She aligns herself with whichever faction you choose, regardless of her personal feelings about either side. Her primary goal is to end the threat posed by her father, Lord Harkon, and to protect Tamriel from his dark designs. This makes her allegiance less about ideological preference and more about a pragmatic partnership.
Serana’s Neutral Stance: Why She Doesn’t Choose Sides
Serana’s neutrality stems from her personal history and traumatic experiences. Centuries spent locked away have given her a unique perspective on the conflict between vampires and those who hunt them. She sees the flaws in both sides, recognizing the fanaticism and potential for cruelty within the Dawnguard, as well as the inherent dangers and moral compromises associated with vampirism, particularly the court of Castle Volkihar. She’s ultimately focused on stopping her father’s potentially world-ending plan to extinguish the sun.
Her dialogue reflects a deep-seated weariness with the conflict. She expresses skepticism about the Dawnguard’s methods and openly criticizes the decadence and ruthlessness of her fellow vampires. She’s not blindly loyal to either faction; instead, she makes a calculated choice to cooperate with the Dragonborn to achieve a common goal: defeating Harkon.
Her Concerns About Vampirism
While she is a vampire, Serana is not necessarily enthusiastic about it. She expresses concerns about the Bloodline and the curse of vampirism and even contemplates seeking a cure for herself. This internal conflict makes her more relatable and human, despite her undead nature. She understands the dangers and limitations that come with being a vampire, and she doesn’t pressure the Dragonborn to embrace the lifestyle unless they explicitly express a desire to do so. She only offers her blood to turn the player into a Vampire Lord after a great deal of soul searching and only because it’s required to enter the Soul Cairn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Serana
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Serana, providing further insight into her character and role in the Dawnguard DLC:
What is Serana’s relationship with the Dragonborn?
Serana develops a close bond with the Dragonborn throughout the Dawnguard questline. She sees them as a reliable ally and a friend, someone she can trust to help her stop her father. While the game doesn’t officially allow for romance without mods, their relationship is undoubtedly significant. Understanding how people learn through video games can be explored further at the GamesLearningSociety.org website.
Can Serana be cured of her vampirism?
Yes, Serana can be cured of her vampirism after the main Dawnguard questline is completed. You must repeatedly ask her “Are you alright?” until you get the option to suggest she look into being cured. She will then travel to Morthal to seek a cure.
Can I marry Serana?
Without the use of mods, it is impossible to marry Serana. This is one of the most commonly requested features that fans have asked for.
Does Serana approve of me becoming a Vampire Lord?
Serana doesn’t necessarily approve of the Dragonborn becoming a Vampire Lord, but she will respect your decision. She does express concern about the drawbacks of vampirism.
Can Serana turn me into a Vampire Lord if I side with the Dawnguard?
Yes, even if you side with the Dawnguard, you can ask Serana to transform you into a Vampire Lord after completing the main questline.
Does Serana prefer me to be a vampire or a werewolf?
Serana has no strong preference for either vampire or werewolf status. Her main concern is your well-being and the choices you make. She is more concerned about your personality and how you treat her.
What happens if I kill Harkon with Auriel’s Bow?
Whether you give Auriel’s Bow to Harkon or not, you will ultimately have to fight and kill him. Giving him the bow results in him betraying you, while refusing to give it to him will also result in a fight. The bow is more useful to you than it is to him during the battle.
How can I convince Serana to seek a cure for her vampirism?
To convince Serana to seek a cure, repeatedly inquire about her well-being by asking her “Are you alright?” after completing the Dawnguard questline. Eventually, you will get a dialogue option suggesting that she should seek a cure.
Is Serana a good follower in combat?
Yes, Serana is considered one of the strongest followers in Skyrim. She has high levels in Destruction, Conjuration, One-Handed, and Light Armor, making her a versatile and powerful companion in combat. She is also difficult to kill.
What are Serana’s views on the Dawnguard?
Serana is cautious of the Dawnguard but acknowledges their necessity in fighting against the threat posed by vampires like her father. She is not blindly loyal to them, but she recognizes their value in maintaining balance.
What are Serana’s views on her father, Lord Harkon?
Serana has a deeply conflicted relationship with her father, Lord Harkon. She loves him as her father but vehemently opposes his plans to plunge the world into eternal darkness. This conflict drives much of her actions throughout the Dawnguard questline.
Can I get kicked out of the Dawnguard if Serana turns me into a Vampire Lord?
Yes, you will be kicked out of the Dawnguard if you become a Vampire Lord while allied with them. You must cure yourself of vampirism to rejoin the Dawnguard.
Does Serana like me more if I’m a vampire?
Serana does not inherently like you more if you are a vampire. Her feelings for you are based on your actions and how you treat her, not your vampiric status.
What happens to Serana after I kill Harkon?
After you kill Harkon, Serana will remain as your follower and continue to aid you in your adventures. She may also seek a cure for her vampirism if you convince her to do so.
What if I accidentally attacked Serana?
If you accidentally attack Serana, she will become hostile. However, she will eventually forgive you if you yield or leave the area and return later.
Conclusion
Serana’s allegiance is primarily to the Dragonborn, not to any particular faction. She is a complex and nuanced character whose choices are driven by a desire to protect Tamriel from the threat posed by her father. Understanding her motivations and values is crucial to maximizing your experience with this memorable companion. Her focus on problem-solving and dedication to her goals shows how people learn and grow within dynamic gaming environments, much like how educators design programs.