Becoming Dracula in Skyrim: A Comprehensive Guide to Vampirism
So, you want to become Dracula in Skyrim? While you can’t literally become the iconic Prince of Darkness, you can absolutely achieve a similar level of power and mystique through the game’s vampire mechanics. In essence, becoming “Dracula” in Skyrim involves embracing the most potent form of vampirism available: becoming a Vampire Lord, mastering its abilities, and roleplaying the part with chilling dedication.
Here’s how:
- Contract Sanguinare Vampiris: The first step is contracting Sanguinare Vampiris, the disease that leads to regular vampirism. You can do this by fighting vampires. Each attack from a vampire – whether a weapon strike or the Vampiric Drain spell – carries a 10% chance of infecting you.
- Forego the Cure: Within three days of contracting Sanguinare Vampiris, you’ll transform into a regular vampire. If you don’t want this, you can cure yourself with a potion or by visiting a shrine. But for Dracula-level vampirism, embrace the change!
- Begin the Dawnguard DLC: This is crucial. The Dawnguard DLC introduces the Vampire Lord form. Start the Dawnguard questline by heading to Fort Dawnguard or by encountering a Dawnguard member who directs you there.
- Side with the Volkihar Clan (Initially): Follow the Dawnguard questline until you meet Serana and escort her to Volkihar Keep.
- Accept Harkon’s Gift: At Volkihar Keep, Lord Harkon will offer you the gift of Vampire Lord status. Accept this offer! Refusing will lock you out of becoming a Vampire Lord through Harkon.
- Embrace the Vampire Lord Form: Once you accept, you will be transformed into a Vampire Lord. You’ll gain a new skill tree, unique powers, and a terrifying bat-like form.
- Master the Vampire Lord Skill Tree: Invest time in leveling up your Vampire Lord skill tree. Focus on abilities that enhance your power, such as Power of the Grave and Blood Healing, and unlock new forms like the Mist Form.
- Gather Powerful Vampire Artifacts: Seek out powerful items and artifacts that enhance your vampiric abilities.
- Roleplay the Part: This is where you truly become Dracula. Develop a chilling backstory, choose clothing and armor that exude dark power, and make choices that reflect a ruthless and calculating nature.
- Optional: Curing Vampirism and Re-Becoming a Vampire Lord: If, at any point after becoming a Vampire Lord, you decide you want to join the Dawnguard, you can cure yourself of vampirism by speaking to Falion in Morthal. However, Serana retains the ability to turn you back into a Vampire Lord an unlimited number of times (unless you convince her to cure herself). This allows you to complete the Dawnguard questline as a human, then revert to your Vampire Lord form later.
By following these steps, you can become a fearsome Vampire Lord in Skyrim, channeling the essence of Dracula through your powers, appearance, and actions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Vampirism in Skyrim
How can I contract Sanguinare Vampiris in Skyrim?
The most common way to contract Sanguinare Vampiris is by fighting vampires. Each successful attack, whether with a weapon or the Vampiric Drain spell, has a 10% chance to infect you with the disease. You can find vampires in various locations, including Movarth’s Lair and Haemar’s Shame.
What are the symptoms of Sanguinare Vampiris?
The symptoms of Sanguinare Vampiris become apparent within three days of contracting the disease. You’ll experience increased weakness to sunlight, and your character’s appearance will gradually change, reflecting the early stages of vampirism. If left untreated, you will become a regular vampire.
What is the difference between a regular vampire and a Vampire Lord?
A regular vampire is infected with Sanguinare Vampiris. Their powers increase through stages based on how much they feed. Vampire Lords are a more potent form of vampirism gained via a ritual by Lord Harkon or Serana. They have access to a unique skill tree, transformation ability, and more powerful vampiric abilities.
Can I become a Vampire Lord without siding with the Volkihar Clan?
No, you cannot initially become a Vampire Lord without accepting Harkon’s gift. If you refuse his offer, you’ll be locked out of becoming a Vampire Lord through that route. However, Serana can turn you into a Vampire Lord at any time (unless she is cured), even after completing the Dawnguard questline on either side.
What are the advantages of being a Vampire Lord?
The advantages of being a Vampire Lord include access to a unique skill tree with powerful abilities, a transformation ability into a bat-like form, enhanced strength and speed, and resistance to diseases and poisons.
What are the disadvantages of being a Vampire Lord?
The disadvantages of being a Vampire Lord include vulnerability to sunlight (which severely reduces health, stamina, and magicka regeneration), and potential hostility from NPCs if you progress to higher stages of vampirism without feeding.
How do I feed as a Vampire Lord?
As a Vampire Lord, you can feed on sleeping NPCs by using the Drain Life ability in human form.
How do I cure Vampirism in Skyrim?
You can cure regular vampirism by drinking a potion of cure disease within three days of contracting Sanguinare Vampiris, praying at a shrine, or seeking out Falion in Morthal.
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 will perform a ritual to cure her.
Can I be a vampire and a werewolf at the same time in Skyrim?
No, you cannot be both a vampire and a werewolf simultaneously. Becoming a werewolf will remove your vampirism, and vice versa.
Can I join both the Dawnguard and the vampires?
Yes, you can start the Dawnguard questline and initially side with either the Dawnguard or the Volkihar Clan. However, at a certain point in the questline, you will be forced to choose a side, and you cannot be a member of both simultaneously.
What is the best side to choose in the Dawnguard DLC?
The “best” side depends on your playstyle and preferences. The Dawnguard offers access to specialized weapons and armor designed to fight vampires, while the Volkihar Clan grants access to powerful vampiric abilities and quests.
Are there any unique quests for vampires in Skyrim?
Yes, the Volkihar Clan offers unique quests that focus on expanding vampire influence and acquiring powerful artifacts. Regular vampires also have radiant quests to feed.
Can I marry a vampire in Skyrim?
You can marry any eligible NPC in Skyrim, regardless of whether they are a vampire. However, you cannot marry Serana because she is a key character.
What happens if I don’t feed as a vampire in Skyrim?
If you don’t feed as a vampire, you progress through stages of vampirism. At higher stages, your vampiric powers become stronger, but your weakness to sunlight increases, and NPCs may become hostile towards you.
Understanding the nuances of vampirism in Skyrim allows you to craft a unique and powerful character, worthy of the Dracula moniker. Remember to embrace the roleplaying aspects, delve into the lore, and enjoy the dark side of the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. For more insights into the engaging world of gaming and learning, explore resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.