The Dawnguard’s Reaction to Your Vampiric Embrace: A Skyrim Guide
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So, you’ve decided to embrace the power of the night and become a vampire in Skyrim. But you’re allied with the Dawnguard, those stalwart vampire hunters? What happens now? The answer, in short, is complicated, but boils down to this: the Dawnguard will essentially ostracize you until you cure yourself. They won’t attack you, but they will refuse to offer quests or services. Think of it as a very cold shoulder delivered with crossbow bolts. Let’s dive into the specifics of how this plays out.
The Cold Shoulder Treatment at Fort Dawnguard
The moment you become a vampire while allied with the Dawnguard, the atmosphere at Fort Dawnguard shifts dramatically. While they won’t turn hostile and start attacking you on sight, the Dawnguard members will constantly remind you of your affliction and insist that you seek a cure.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Quest Refusal: No more radiant quests like vampire extermination missions. They simply won’t trust a vampire to hunt its own kind.
- Service Denial: Need to restock on crossbow bolts or purchase enchanted weapons? Tough luck. The vendors will refuse to deal with you until you’re cured.
- Constant Reminders: Expect frequent comments about your vampiric nature from every NPC in the fort. Prepare for a relentless stream of “You should get that looked at” and “We can’t trust a vampire.”
- No Active Aggression: They won’t outright attack you. The Dawnguard’s code prevents them from assaulting allies, even those who have fallen to vampirism. This is important; you won’t have to constantly fight off your former friends.
- The Main Quest Exception: During the main Dawnguard questline, specific instances might require you to be a vampire (like entering the Soul Cairn with Serana). The Dawnguard will tolerate your vampirism during these sections, but expect the silent treatment to resume afterward.
Why This Matters: Gameplay Implications
This ostracism has significant gameplay implications. You’ll be effectively locked out of essential Dawnguard features until you cure your vampirism.
- Limited Resources: Access to essential supplies like crossbow bolts and enchanted weapons is severely restricted. This can significantly impact your combat effectiveness, especially at higher difficulty levels.
- Quest Progression Halt: The lack of radiant quests means you’ll miss out on experience, gold, and unique Dawnguard rewards.
- Roleplaying Considerations: If you enjoy immersing yourself in the roleplaying aspect of Skyrim, the constant negative feedback from the Dawnguard can be immersion-breaking.
- Missed Opportunities: Side quests and unique interactions tied to the Dawnguard faction will be inaccessible.
Curing Vampirism: The Path Back to Acceptance
Fortunately, curing your vampirism is possible. Speaking to any innkeeper will lead you to Falion in Morthal. He’ll be able to perform the ritual to cure you, for a price (a filled Black Soul Gem). Once you’ve undergone the curing process, you can return to Fort Dawnguard and be welcomed back into the fold (albeit with a few lingering glances).
The Vampire Lord Dilemma: Power vs. Acceptance
The core of this conflict lies in the power of the Vampire Lord form versus the benefits of remaining in the Dawnguard. While the Vampire Lord form is incredibly powerful, regularly using it will result in the same Dawnguard ostracism described above. You can be a Vampire Lord and allied with the Dawnguard, but the members of the Dawnguard will ostracize you, if you take the Vampire Lord form often.
Here’s a simple guide to the vampire stages:
- Stage 1: Least affected by weaknesses, least powerful.
- Stage 4: Most affected by weaknesses, most powerful (and most likely to be attacked by townsfolk).
Feeding regularly will keep you at Stage 1 and prevent townsfolk from attacking you.
FAQs: Navigating the Dawnguard and Vampirism
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the tricky relationship between the Dawnguard and vampirism:
1. Can I rejoin the Dawnguard after becoming a vampire and then curing myself?
Yes! Once you’ve cured your vampirism, the Dawnguard will welcome you back. You’ll be able to resume quests and access all the services they offer.
2. Will the Dawnguard attack me if I’m a vampire in Stage 4?
No. Even if you’re at Stage 4 vampirism, the Dawnguard members at Fort Dawnguard will not attack you. They will, however, constantly tell you to get cured and refuse to provide quests or services.
3. Is it better to join the Dawnguard or become a Vampire Lord?
This depends on your play style. The Dawnguard offers access to crossbows, powerful enchantments, and a sense of righteous vampire hunting. Becoming a Vampire Lord grants immense power but comes with weaknesses and societal stigma (especially within the Dawnguard). Consider what aspects of the game you value most.
4. Does Serana get mad if I join the Dawnguard?
No, Serana does not choose a side. She is loyal to you and will follow your decisions.
5. Can Serana cure my vampirism?
No, Serana cannot cure your vampirism. You must seek out Falion in Morthal. Serana can turn you into a Vampire Lord again, after you are cured.
6. Will the Dawnguard be mad if I become a werewolf?
No. The Dawnguard only cares about vampires. Lycanthropy is of no concern to them. Feel free to howl at the moon to your heart’s content.
7. How far into the Dawnguard questline can I go as a vampire?
You can proceed with the Dawnguard questline even as a vampire, particularly during sections that require you to be one, such as entering the Soul Cairn. However, expect the silent treatment and service refusal to resume once you’re done with those specific quests.
8. Can I marry Serana?
Not without mods. The base game does not allow you to marry Serana. However, mods like “Marriable Serana” make it possible.
9. Should I let Serana turn me into a Vampire Lord?
This is a personal choice. Consider the pros and cons of vampirism and how it will impact your gameplay. You can always cure yourself later if you change your mind.
10. What happens if I become a vampire after completing the Dawnguard questline?
Even after completing the questline, becoming a vampire will trigger the same reactions from the Dawnguard. They will insist you get cured and refuse to offer services until you do.
11. Can I still use the Vampire Lord powers if I cure myself?
No. Curing your vampirism removes the Vampire Lord ability. You can only regain it by having Serana turn you again (if she is not cured).
12. Are there any benefits to being a vampire while allied with the Dawnguard?
Not really. The drawbacks far outweigh any potential benefits. The Dawnguard’s ostracism makes it difficult to access essential resources and quests.
13. What level should I be to start the Dawnguard questline?
You can start the Dawnguard questline at any level, though it is recommended to be at least level 10 to handle the enemies.
14. Will I miss out on anything if I choose to side with the Dawnguard instead of the vampires?
You’ll miss out on the unique vampire quests, rewards, and the experience of playing as a Vampire Lord exclusively. However, you can still become a Vampire Lord after completing the Dawnguard questline by asking Serana to turn you.
15. Where can I learn more about the intersection of gaming and education?
For insights into the educational potential of games, explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org), a community dedicated to advancing the field of game-based learning.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Path
Ultimately, the decision of whether to embrace vampirism while allied with the Dawnguard is a personal one. Weigh the benefits of the Vampire Lord form against the drawbacks of Dawnguard ostracism. Remember, you can always choose to cure your vampirism and return to the good graces of the Dawnguard.
Enjoy your adventures in Skyrim, whether you choose to walk in the sun or stalk in the shadows!