How Many Times Can Serana Turn You into a Vampire Lord in Skyrim?
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The short answer is: as many times as you want. If you have the Dawnguard DLC installed, Serana possesses the unique ability to transform you into a Vampire Lord repeatedly. This offers significant flexibility, allowing players to experience the benefits of vampirism, cure themselves, and then return to Serana for another transformation as desired. This mechanic provides a compelling gameplay loop for those who enjoy the Vampire Lord skillset without being permanently locked into the role. This ability of hers truly changes how players engage with this dynamic mechanic and enhances the richness of the gameplay.
Understanding Serana’s Vampiric Gift
Serana’s ability stems from her unique lineage and her connection to Molag Bal. Unlike standard vampirism contracted from other vampires, Serana’s gift grants you the full Vampire Lord transformation, including access to powerful spells, abilities, and a unique skill tree. This is significantly different from simply contracting the vampire disease Sanguinare Vampiris, which requires feeding or curing to manage effectively.
The Benefits of Repeatable Transformations
The option to repeatedly become a Vampire Lord offers several advantages:
- Experimentation: You can freely experiment with the Vampire Lord skill tree and abilities without the fear of permanent commitment.
- Strategic Advantage: Transform into a Vampire Lord for difficult encounters and then revert to your original form afterward.
- Curing Lycanthropy: A common strategy is to use Serana’s gift to become a Vampire Lord to cure Lycanthropy, then cure vampirism itself if you prefer not to be a vampire. While Aela the Huntress will only offer to restore Lycanthropy once after the initial Companions quest, this is a reliable method of removing it.
- Roleplaying: Some players enjoy the roleplaying aspect of being a vampire at certain times, aligning with their character’s story and moral choices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I become a Vampire Lord even if I sided with the Dawnguard?
Yes! Even if you choose to side with the Dawnguard, Serana can still turn you into a Vampire Lord before she seeks a cure for her vampirism. This allows players who prefer the Dawnguard storyline to still experience the Vampire Lord gameplay.
2. How do I cure myself after Serana turns me?
You can cure yourself of vampirism by speaking to Falion in Morthal. You will need a filled Black Soul Gem to complete the ritual.
3. Can I marry Serana?
Unfortunately, without mods, you cannot marry Serana. While there is dialogue that hints at the possibility of marriage, the game mechanics prevent it due to her vampiric state. However, the modding community has created numerous mods that enable you to marry her.
4. Does Serana have a preference between the Dawnguard and the Volkihar?
No, Serana ultimately sides with the Dragonborn and supports whatever choice they make. Her primary concern is her family and her own freedom.
5. Does joining the Volkihar Clan permanently lock me into being a vampire?
No. Even if you join the Volkihar Clan, you can still choose to cure yourself of vampirism later. Serana can then turn you back if you desire.
6. What happens if I let Serana soul trap me in the Soul Cairn?
During the questline, Serana may partially soul trap you to enter the Soul Cairn. This will weaken your stats temporarily, but you can reclaim your soul gem to restore your stats before leaving.
7. Can I become a Werebear in Skyrim?
No, you cannot become a Werebear in Skyrim. However, you can summon one using the power granted by the Beast Stone after completing the relevant quest on Solstheim.
8. Is being a Vampire Lord or a Werewolf better?
This is subjective and depends on your playstyle. Vampire Lords are generally considered stronger, especially at later levels, with access to powerful spells and abilities. Werewolves offer strong melee combat and crowd control.
9. What are the consequences of being a Vampire Lord with the Dawnguard?
If you are a Vampire Lord while working with the Dawnguard, certain side quests may become unavailable until you cure yourself. However, the main questline remains unaffected.
10. What is Serana’s rare dialogue about?
One of Serana’s rare dialogue lines is, “You talk about being lonely a lot.” This is part of her character development and hints at her isolation and the challenges she has faced.
11. Can I flirt with Serana?
While the game does not explicitly offer flirting options, Serana’s dialogue and interactions can be interpreted as flirtatious by some players. Mods exist to expand on this aspect of her character.
12. Can my spouse become a vampire?
Yes, in the Dawnguard expansion, you can turn your spouse into a vampire. However, you cannot marry someone who is already a vampire (like Serana) without using mods.
13. What did Molag Bal do to Serana and her mother?
While the events are disturbing, Serana and her mother, Valerica, were not raped by Molag Bal in the traditional sense. As Valerica explains, they willingly offered themselves to him as part of a ritual, albeit under duress and manipulation.
14. What should I say to Serana if I want her to eventually cure her vampirism?
If you want Serana to eventually seek a cure, choose the dialogue option “Are you all right?” instead of directly asking her about a cure. This shows concern for her well-being and makes her more receptive to the idea later.
15. Is Serana the best follower in Skyrim?
Many players consider Serana to be the best follower due to her compelling backstory, powerful abilities, and unique dialogue. Her combination of combat prowess and intriguing personality makes her a valuable and engaging companion.
Conclusion
Serana’s ability to repeatedly transform you into a Vampire Lord is a powerful and versatile mechanic in the Dawnguard DLC. It allows for experimentation, strategic gameplay, and roleplaying opportunities, making it a valuable asset for any Dragonborn exploring the world of Skyrim. Whether you are drawn to the darkness of the Volkihar Clan or the righteous path of the Dawnguard, Serana’s gift offers a unique and compelling experience. Don’t hesitate to explore the possibilities and discover the power of the Vampire Lord for yourself. Understanding the game’s intricate mechanics enhances your enjoyment and strategic gameplay and further enriches your learning experience through play, as studied by the Games Learning Society. You can learn more about the Games Learning Society and their work at GamesLearningSociety.org.