Is Serana a Permanent Companion in Skyrim? A Deep Dive
Yes, Serana is a permanent companion in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, provided you complete the entire Dawnguard questline. Once the main storyline of the DLC is finished, she becomes a fully-fledged follower, sticking with you for as long as you desire her company. However, there are nuances to this permanency that we will explore, along with answering some burning questions many players have about this fascinating character.
Serana: More Than Just a Follower
Serana stands out as one of Skyrim’s most popular and well-developed companions. Her intricate backstory, complex personality, and unique abilities make her far more than just another sword-for-hire. She’s a Daughter of Coldharbour, a pure-blooded vampire with a tragic past, and her presence significantly impacts the overall experience of the game.
Her usefulness in combat, coupled with her engaging dialogue and potential for personal growth (including the option to cure her vampirism), makes her a compelling choice for long-term companionship. But what exactly does “permanent companion” mean in the context of Skyrim? And what are the caveats? Let’s delve into some frequently asked questions to unravel the specifics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Serana
Is Serana essential and can she die?
No, Serana is not an essential character after the Dawnguard questline. While she can’t die during certain quests in the DLC’s main questline, once she becomes your follower, she is killable. However, like other followers, she will simply kneel and recover if she takes too much damage. Be careful, though, as friendly fire can lead to her demise.
What happens to Serana after Dawnguard?
As we previously discussed, once you complete the Dawnguard questline, Serana becomes a permanent follower. If you choose not to travel with her, she will reside either in Fort Dawnguard (if you sided with the Dawnguard) or Castle Volkihar (if you sided with the vampires), waiting for you to call upon her services again.
Can you marry Serana?
Unfortunately, without the use of mods, marrying Serana is impossible. Despite the close relationship that develops between the Dragonborn and Serana during the Dawnguard questline, Bethesda did not include marriage as an option. However, she does have unique dialogue acknowledging the concept of marriage, hinting at what could have been. The Games Learning Society studies how games allow players to build relationships, though Serana is not an officially romanceable option.
Can you cure Serana of her vampirism?
Yes, you can convince Serana to seek a cure for her vampirism. This option becomes available after completing the Dawnguard main questline, provided you sided with the Dawnguard. The process involves having specific conversations with her and directing her to Falion in Morthal. Be mindful of your dialogue choices, as certain answers can prevent you from convincing her to be cured.
Is Serana the strongest follower in Skyrim?
While subjective, many players consider Serana to be one of the strongest followers in Skyrim. Her high-level scaling, powerful spells (including the ability to reanimate corpses), and essential backstory make her a formidable and engaging companion. While other followers might excel in specific areas, Serana offers a well-rounded package.
How do I get Serana as a follower?
To acquire Serana as a follower, you must begin and progress through the Dawnguard DLC questline. You first encounter her in Dimhollow Crypt, imprisoned with an Elder Scroll. Rescuing her and continuing through the questline will eventually lead to her becoming a permanent member of your adventuring party.
Does Serana care if you steal or commit crimes?
Interestingly, Serana is relatively tolerant of your criminal activities. Unlike some followers, she will not abandon you or turn hostile if you steal or commit other crimes. While she may not actively participate in your lawbreaking, she’s willing to turn a blind eye to your less-than-honorable actions.
Can you still become a Vampire Lord if you cure Serana?
Yes, you can still become a Vampire Lord even if you convince Serana to cure herself of vampirism. Serana’s cure does not remove the option to become a Vampire Lord from you permanently. If you choose to, you can always have her turn you back into a Vampire Lord after she is cured.
Does Serana have feelings for the Dragonborn?
The question of Serana’s feelings for the Dragonborn is a popular topic among fans. While not explicitly stated, the relationship between Serana and the Dragonborn develops considerably throughout the Dawnguard questline. Her dialogue and interactions suggest a deep connection and a strong bond, leaving room for interpretation regarding the nature of her feelings. It’s safe to say she holds the Dragonborn in high regard, potentially bordering on romantic affection.
What happens if Serana turns you into a vampire?
If Serana turns you into a vampire, you will become a Vampire Lord, gaining access to new abilities, powers, and a dedicated skill tree. This transformation will change your appearance and make you vulnerable to sunlight, but it also grants you unique advantages in combat and exploration.
Does Serana like the Dawnguard or the Vampires?
Serana’s loyalties are complex. She doesn’t necessarily align with either the Dawnguard or the Volkihar vampires inherently. Her allegiance lies primarily with the Dragonborn, and she will support whichever faction you choose to side with. Her experiences and personal relationships heavily influence her perspective, making her a nuanced character who transcends simple factional allegiances.
Can Serana use Auriel’s Bow?
Yes, Serana can use Auriel’s Bow. This powerful weapon is essential to the Dawnguard questline, and Serana’s ability to wield it alongside you makes her an invaluable asset in the fight against Harkon and the vampire threat.
How do you cure Serana after killing Harkon?
The curing process for Serana becomes available after you have defeated Harkon and completed the main Dawnguard questline (while siding with the Dawnguard). If the correct dialogue choices have been made, then Serana should be willing to go seek the help of Falion of Morthal to start the curing process.
Why is Serana no longer following me?
There can be several reasons why Serana might stop following you. If you told her to wait at a certain location and it has been a long time since then, she may have moved on and returned to Fort Dawnguard or Castle Volkihar. Additionally, specific quest stages in the Dawnguard DLC may temporarily prevent her from following you. Also, if you have another follower, you may need to dismiss them before recruiting Serana again.
Should I turn Serana human?
Whether or not you should turn Serana human is a matter of personal preference. As a vampire, she possesses unique abilities and contributes significantly to combat. Curing her removes these benefits but allows her to experience a semblance of normalcy and potentially find peace. Consider the implications carefully before making this decision. It’s a role-playing choice with lasting consequences.