Does Serana Want You to Become a Vampire? Unraveling the Enigmatic Daughter of Coldharbour
No, Serana does not explicitly want you to become a vampire. While she readily offers to turn you into a Vampire Lord if you refuse Harkon’s offer, her actions stem from practicality and necessity rather than a personal desire for you to join the ranks of the undead. Serana is a pragmatist, focused on the mission at hand – stopping her father and ultimately ending the threat he poses to Skyrim. Becoming a Vampire Lord is merely a tool, a means to an end, in her eyes. She understands the power it grants and the potential it holds for accomplishing their shared goals. Her dialogue and behavior consistently point towards an acceptance of her own vampirism as a part of who she is, without actively pushing or desiring it for others unless strategically necessary.
Delving Deeper: Serana’s Complex Relationship with Vampirism
Serana’s existence is steeped in vampirism. Born a vampire, she doesn’t view it as a “curse” or “disease” in the same way that many characters in Skyrim do. For her, it’s simply a part of her being, a source of power, and the reality of her life. This acceptance doesn’t equate to actively wanting others to share her fate. She demonstrates empathy and understanding for those who suffer because of vampirism, and she doesn’t celebrate its spread.
Her willingness to turn the Dragonborn is purely utilitarian. If the Dragonborn rejects Harkon’s gift, and therefore the ability to traverse the Soul Cairn, Serana steps in as a substitute. It’s a solution born from necessity, ensuring the quest can continue and Harkon’s plans can be thwarted. Furthermore, she understands the Dragonborn’s unique ability to wield such power and potentially control the darker aspects of vampirism.
However, this should not be mistaken for a personal wish. Serana’s personal goal is freedom from her father’s manipulation and a restoration of balance. This is not related to the spreading of vampirism but with protecting Skyrim.
Understanding Serana: Beyond the Vampire Stereotype
It’s essential to understand Serana beyond the vampire stereotype. She’s a complex, nuanced character with her own motivations and struggles. She’s not a mindless creature seeking to spread vampirism, but a reluctant participant in a larger conflict. She seeks freedom, understanding, and ultimately, the end of her father’s tyrannical reign. The Games Learning Society explores similar themes of moral ambiguity and player agency in gaming narratives, showcasing how characters’ choices shape their destinies. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Serana and Vampirism
H3: 1. Can Serana turn me into a Vampire Lord as many times as I want?
Yes, if you have the Dawnguard DLC installed, Serana can transform you into a Vampire Lord as many times as you desire. This allows you to freely explore the benefits and drawbacks of vampirism without permanent commitment.
H3: 2. Will Serana leave if I choose to remain a mortal?
No, Serana will not leave you if you choose to remain a mortal and reject Harkon’s offer. She is coded to be your guide and follower throughout the Dawnguard questline, regardless of your chosen path.
H3: 3. Does Serana like being a vampire?
Serana seems to have come to terms with her vampirism. She appreciates the enhanced senses and powers it grants, like super hearing, but doesn’t necessarily revel in the negative aspects. It’s a part of who she is, neither embraced nor vehemently rejected.
H3: 4. Can I marry Serana if she is a vampire?
No, in the vanilla version of Skyrim, you cannot marry Serana if she remains a vampire. The game mechanics prevent marriage to vampire characters. However, mods exist that allow you to marry Serana, regardless of her vampiric state.
H3: 5. Is it a bad idea to cure Serana of her vampirism?
Curing Serana comes with both advantages and disadvantages. While she loses her weaknesses to sunlight and fire, she also loses her 100% resistance to frost and poison, and the ability to turn you into a Vampire Lord. Additionally, she may retain the “vampire drain” visual effect and have jaundiced eyes even after being cured, which some players find undesirable.
H3: 6. What happens if I am already a vampire before starting the Dawnguard questline?
If you are already a vampire when you approach the Dawnguard, they will insist that you be cured before offering you any quests. You’ll need to seek a cure for vampirism before proceeding with their storyline.
H3: 7. Can I turn Lydia into a vampire?
You can turn Lydia into a vampire by siding with the Volkihar vampires in the Dawnguard DLC and becoming a Vampire Lord yourself. You can then infect her with your vampiric powers.
H3: 8. What is the best armor for Serana?
Serana prefers light armor. Equipping her with light armor enchanted with Muffle and Fortify Sneak will enhance her stealth abilities. Her default Vampire Lord armor is also of high quality.
H3: 9. Does Serana like the Dragonborn?
Serana appears to have genuine affection for the Dragonborn. She often expresses gratitude for being freed from her father’s control, and her dialogue suggests a deeper connection beyond a simple alliance.
H3: 10. What do I say to Serana to convince her to cure her vampirism?
To convince Serana to seek a cure for her vampirism, first complete the Dawnguard questline. After her father is dead, ask her if she is alright. This initiates a conversation that can lead to her seeking a cure at Fort Dawnguard.
H3: 11. How many times can I get cured of vampirism in Skyrim?
You can get cured of vampirism in Skyrim as many times as you want. This offers players the freedom to experiment with different playstyles and character builds.
H3: 12. Is it worth it to be a vampire in Skyrim?
Being a vampire in Skyrim offers significant benefits, including enhanced stats, unique abilities, and access to the Vampire Lord form (with the Dawnguard DLC). However, it also comes with drawbacks, such as vulnerability to sunlight and fire. The decision of whether or not to embrace vampirism depends on your preferred playstyle and tolerance for its associated challenges.
H3: 13. Can I romance Serana?
In the base game, you cannot romance Serana through standard marriage mechanics. However, mods exist that enable you to marry her and develop a romantic relationship.
H3: 14. What happens if you come to Serana as a vampire?
If you approach Serana as a vampire, she will acknowledge your condition but treat you normally. You will still be able to progress through the Dawnguard questline, with certain dialogue options and interactions changing to reflect your vampiric status.
H3: 15. What are Serana’s best skills and abilities?
Serana is a powerful companion skilled in conjuration, light armor, one-handed combat, destruction magic, and sneak. She is also essential, meaning she cannot die, making her a valuable asset in combat. Her immunity to frost damage is an added advantage.
Conclusion: Serana’s Choices are Hers
Ultimately, Serana’s actions are driven by her desire to end her father’s tyranny and restore balance to the world. While she’s willing to use vampirism as a tool, she doesn’t actively seek to spread it or force it upon others. Understanding her motivations and her complex relationship with her own vampirism is key to appreciating her nuanced character and her role in the Dawnguard storyline.