Curing Serana: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring Her Humanity in Skyrim
So, you’ve become rather attached to Serana, the enigmatic vampire noble from the Dawnguard DLC in Skyrim. Perhaps you’ve grown tired of her constant complaints about sunlight, or maybe you just feel a pang of sympathy for her eternal existence. Whatever your reasons, you’re likely wondering: How do you cure Serana of her vampirism? The answer, thankfully, is relatively straightforward, although emotionally charged.
The process begins after completing the main Dawnguard questline and leaving Volkihar Cathedral, regardless of whether you sided with the Dawnguard or the Vampires. You need to engage in several conversations with Serana, leading her to question her own existence as a vampire. This requires carefully selecting dialogue options that emphasize the potential benefits of being human and the burdens of her current state. Essentially, you need to plant the seed of doubt in her mind.
Once you’ve sufficiently swayed her, she will express a desire to consider a cure. At this point, she will seek out Falion, a master wizard residing in Morthal, to perform the necessary ritual. She emphasizes the need to undertake this journey alone.
Serana will then leave your party and travel to Morthal. This process takes approximately three in-game days. During this time, she will remain in Morthal, undergoing the ritual conducted by Falion. After the three days have passed, Serana will return to Fort Dawnguard as a fully cured human, ready to resume her role as your follower.
It’s important to note that curing Serana is a significant decision with lasting consequences. While she retains her essential skills as a follower, she loses her vampiric abilities, including the ability to turn you into a Vampire Lord and create bloodcursed arrows. However, this loss is often viewed as a worthwhile trade-off for those seeking to give Serana a chance at a more normal life. Learning through gaming can be a really interesting way to improve your knowledge. Games Learning Society offers a great selection of resources you may want to explore! GamesLearningSociety.org is a great place to start!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Curing Serana
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you understand all aspects of curing Serana in Skyrim:
Can I marry Serana if I cure her?
Whether you can marry Serana after curing her depends on whether you are using mods. In the vanilla (unmodded) version of Skyrim, it is not possible to marry Serana, whether she is a vampire or human. However, numerous mods, such as the “Marriable Serana” mod, allow you to marry her once she is cured.
Can I still become a Vampire Lord if I cure Serana?
Yes, curing Serana does not permanently prevent you from becoming a Vampire Lord. While she loses the ability to directly transform you after being cured, you can still contract Sanguinare Vampiris, the disease that leads to vampirism, and then ask Serana to turn you into a Vampire Lord, effectively upgrading your vampirism.
Can Serana still be a follower if I cure her?
Absolutely! Curing Serana does not remove her as a follower. She will still accompany you on your adventures after being cured. However, she loses most of her vampiric powers, such as the ability to create bloodcursed arrows and transform you into a Vampire Lord. But, as mentioned before, you can regain your Vampire Lord powers if you want them.
What happens to Serana’s appearance after she’s cured?
Visually, Serana’s appearance changes slightly after being cured. Her eyes revert to a more natural, human color.
Does curing Serana affect her dialogue?
Yes, curing Serana subtly alters her dialogue. Her lines reflect her newfound humanity and her feelings about her past as a vampire.
Can I reverse the curing process if I regret it?
Unfortunately, there is no in-game method to reverse the curing process for Serana. Once she is cured, she remains human. You would need to revert to a previous save file to restore her vampirism.
What if Serana dies after being cured?
Like any other follower, Serana can die after being cured. Take extra care to protect her in combat, as she will no longer have the defensive advantages of being a vampire.
Does curing Serana affect the Dawnguard questline?
Curing Serana does not significantly alter the main Dawnguard questline, although some minor dialogue options may change. The main storyline remains the same.
Can I cure Serana multiple times?
No, curing Serana is a one-time event. Once she undergoes the ritual with Falion, she remains human permanently unless you revert to an earlier save file.
What are the benefits of curing Serana?
The benefits are primarily role-playing related. Many players feel it is a morally good choice to offer Serana a chance at a normal life. Additionally, curing her can provide a sense of closure to her story.
What are the drawbacks of curing Serana?
The main drawbacks are the loss of her unique vampiric abilities, such as turning you into a Vampire Lord and creating bloodcursed arrows. Additionally, she becomes more vulnerable in combat.
Will other NPCs react to Serana being cured?
Some NPCs, particularly those within Fort Dawnguard, may have unique dialogue lines acknowledging Serana’s cured state.
Does curing Serana affect her skills and abilities?
While Serana retains her core skills as a follower (such as combat and spellcasting), she loses her specific vampiric abilities. She also loses her resistance to diseases and poisons, making her more susceptible to those threats. She can be healed by restoration spells and is affected by those that damage undead.
Can I still use Serana as a pack mule after she’s cured?
Yes, Serana’s carrying capacity remains the same after she’s cured, so you can still use her to carry your excess loot.
What is the best time to cure Serana?
The best time to cure Serana is subjective and depends on your playstyle and preferences. Some players choose to cure her immediately after completing the Dawnguard questline, while others wait until they have fully utilized her vampiric abilities.
Curing Serana is a complex and rewarding decision in Skyrim. By carefully weighing the pros and cons, you can make the choice that best suits your character and your role-playing experience. Remember to consider all the factors involved before embarking on this transformative journey.