How to Convince Serana to Seek a Cure for Her Vampirism in Skyrim
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Convincing Serana, the compelling vampire companion from the Dawnguard DLC, to cure herself of vampirism is a nuanced process dependent on the choices you make during the main questline. The key lies in choosing the right dialogue options and showing her compassion and understanding throughout your journey together. After completing the Dawnguard questline and leaving Volkihar Cathedral, you can initiate this process. Instead of immediately pressing her about a cure, select the dialogue option “Are you all right?” This approach demonstrates concern for her well-being rather than directly focusing on her vampiric nature. This subtle but important difference sets the stage for a later, more successful persuasion. Asking about a cure immediately after the main questline will close the possibility for a potential cure. After this conversation, and only after her father, Lord Harkon, is defeated, you can later suggest she seek a cure. If you’ve fostered a good relationship, she will eventually agree to seek help from Falion in Morthal, embarking on her own journey towards becoming human again.
Understanding Serana’s Perspective
Before diving into the specifics of convincing Serana, it’s essential to understand her perspective. She has lived as a vampire for centuries, a life not entirely of her own choosing. Her mother, Valerica, a powerful vampire in her own right, kept her away from her father. Her status as a pure-blood vampire and her ties to the powerful Volkihar clan have shaped her identity and her world. Approaching her with empathy and acknowledging the complexities of her situation is crucial for building trust and influencing her decision.
Building Rapport: The Foundation for Persuasion
The groundwork for convincing Serana is laid during the Dawnguard questline. Pay attention to her dialogue, ask questions that show genuine interest in her past and her feelings, and avoid being overly judgmental about her vampirism. Supporting her decisions and demonstrating that you value her as an individual, not just as a tool, is paramount.
The Cure Process: Step-by-Step
Once you’ve completed the Dawnguard questline, the path to curing Serana unfolds as follows:
- The Initial Conversation: After leaving Volkihar Cathedral, initiate a conversation with Serana. Choose the option “Are you all right?” instead of immediately asking about a cure. This is the key choice that unlocks the potential for a future cure.
- Defeat Lord Harkon: Ensure you have defeated Lord Harkon, Serana’s father, and brought an end to his plans. This seems to be a trigger for her to be able to seek a cure.
- Subsequent Dialogue: After Harkon’s demise, continue to travel and interact with Serana. Over time, new dialogue options will appear. Express concern for her well-being and gently suggest that perhaps a cure might be something she should consider. Be patient, this may take multiple conversations.
- Falion’s Ritual: If you’ve approached the situation with sensitivity, Serana will eventually agree to seek a cure from Falion in Morthal. She will leave your company to pursue this path on her own.
- Fort Dawnguard Reunion: Serana’s cure takes a few in-game days. She will leave immediately to seek out Falion, and after several days, she will reappear at Fort Dawnguard as a cured human. If she isn’t there after a few days, check Morthal.
Key Considerations for Success
- Timing is Everything: You will not be able to convince Serana before her father is dead. Attempting to persuade her too early, or pressing her too aggressively, can backfire.
- The Right Approach: Empathy and understanding are more effective than direct confrontation. Frame the cure as a way for her to find peace and closure, rather than as a judgment on her vampirism.
- Patience is a Virtue: The conversation that leads to Serana’s decision may not happen immediately. Continue interacting with her, and the dialogue options will eventually appear.
Frequently Asked Questions About Curing Serana
1. How long does it take for Serana to cure herself?
The process typically takes a few in-game days after she agrees to seek a cure from Falion. If you’re not at Fort Dawnguard, she’ll eventually show up there after the cure is complete.
2. Can I marry Serana if she is cured?
Officially, no. The base game doesn’t allow marriage with Serana, even after she is cured. You need to use a mod to enable marriage with Serana.
3. How do I get Serana to turn me into a vampire again after being cured?
If you were previously a Vampire Lord and then cured, Serana can turn you back into one as long as she is still a vampire. Simply speak to her and ask her to grant you the gift of vampirism.
4. Where does Serana go after she cures herself?
After agreeing to seek a cure, Serana will immediately depart to find Falion in Morthal. Following the ritual, she will return to Fort Dawnguard as a normal human.
5. Will Serana cure her vampirism in every playthrough?
No. Her decision depends entirely on the dialogue choices you make during and after the Dawnguard questline. Choosing compassionate options increases the likelihood of her seeking a cure.
6. How do I initiate the dialogue to convince Serana to get cured?
The first step is to choose “Are you all right?” after the completion of the Dawnguard questline instead of asking about a cure. After Harkon is dead, continue to travel with her until dialogue options to discuss getting a cure becomes available.
7. Does siding with the Dawnguard or Volkihar Clan affect Serana’s decision to cure herself?
No, choosing either side doesn’t directly influence her decision. What matters is the way you interact with her during the questline, show her respect, and choose the right dialogue options after Harkon is dead.
8. Is there a level requirement to convince Serana to seek a cure?
No, there is no level requirement. The determining factor is the dialogue choices you make and your relationship with her.
9. What happens if I fail to convince Serana to seek a cure?
If you choose the wrong dialogue options or pressure her too much, she may refuse to consider a cure. In this case, she will remain a vampire for the remainder of your playthrough.
10. Can Serana turn you into a Vampire Lord if she is cured?
No. Once Serana is cured, she loses her ability to grant the gift of vampirism.
11. Can I reverse Serana’s cure if I change my mind?
No, there is no way to revert Serana’s cure in the base game. Once she is cured, she remains human permanently.
12. How can mods affect Serana’s cure process?
Mods can alter various aspects of Serana’s behavior and dialogue, including the ease with which you can convince her to seek a cure. Some mods may even allow for new dialogue options or quest lines related to her vampirism.
13. What are the benefits of curing Serana?
Curing Serana can be a role-playing choice for players who want a “happier” ending for her. It also allows her to walk in the sun and live a more normal life. However, curing her also means losing her ability to turn you into a Vampire Lord or provide bloodcursed arrows.
14. Does Serana have unique dialogue after being cured?
Yes, Serana’s dialogue will change slightly after being cured, reflecting her new perspective on life and her experiences. These changes add depth to her character and provide further insight into her thoughts and feelings.
15. Where can I learn more about character development and narrative choices in games?
For in-depth research and discussions on character development, narrative choices, and game design, explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. GamesLearningSociety.org is a great source of knowledge for all things education, gaming, and learning!
Convincing Serana to cure herself of vampirism is a testament to the depth and complexity of the characters within Skyrim. It’s a journey that rewards patience, empathy, and a genuine connection with one of the game’s most intriguing companions. By carefully considering your dialogue choices and understanding her perspective, you can guide Serana towards a brighter future.