Refusing the Bite: A Comprehensive Guide to Rejecting Vampirism in Skyrim’s Dawnguard DLC
So, you’ve found yourself standing before Lord Harkon, ancient vampire and master of Castle Volkihar, and he’s offered you the “gift” of vampirism. But something in your Dragonborn’s gut is telling you “no.” What happens if you refuse to become a vampire in Skyrim’s Dawnguard DLC? The answer is simple: you will be banished from Castle Volkihar and will be unable to re-enter. This seemingly straightforward decision, however, has far-reaching consequences that affect your path through the DLC and beyond.
Refusal leads you down the Dawnguard path, siding with the vampire hunters dedicated to eradicating the Volkihar threat. You will miss out on the unique perks and powers of a Vampire Lord, but gain access to the Dawnguard’s arsenal of sun-infused weapons and armored trolls. This decision ultimately shapes your experience of the Dawnguard DLC, determining the quests you undertake, the allies you make, and the enemies you face.
The Immediate Aftermath of Refusal
The moment you reject Harkon’s offer, the vampire lord’s demeanor shifts from alluring to hostile. You’ll be unceremoniously tossed out of Castle Volkihar, finding yourself back in the wilds of Skyrim. The drawbridge will be raised, and the castle will become inaccessible, at least for the time being. You’re now committed to the Dawnguard side.
This doesn’t mean the end of the Dawnguard questline, quite the contrary. You’ll return to Fort Dawnguard to report your findings to Isran and further dedicate yourself to the cause. This is where your journey as a vampire hunter truly begins.
The Dawnguard Path: Benefits and Challenges
Choosing the Dawnguard side has several distinct advantages:
- Moral Alignment: If you prefer playing a hero or a morally good character, the Dawnguard aligns better with those values. You are actively fighting against a force of darkness, protecting the innocent from the predations of vampires.
- Unique Weapons and Armor: The Dawnguard offers specialized equipment effective against vampires, including crossbows that ignore armor and dawnbreaker enchantments.
- Allied Support: You’ll gain companions and allies who share your goal, offering assistance and support throughout your quest.
- No Sunlight Weakness: Avoiding vampirism means you won’t suffer from the debilitating effects of sunlight, which restrict regeneration and can make gameplay difficult.
However, there are also some challenges:
- Missed Vampire Lord Powers: You’ll never experience the powerful transformation into a Vampire Lord, with its unique skill tree and abilities.
- Limited Access to Castle Volkihar: While you can eventually revisit the castle during the questline, you won’t be able to freely roam its halls and interact with its inhabitants. After Harkon’s dead, you can visit Castle Volkihar, however, it will be empty.
- Restricted Questline: You won’t experience the Vampire Lord questline, which offers a different perspective on the conflict and unique quests and rewards.
Serana’s Role After Your Decision
Regardless of your choice, Serana remains a crucial character. Choosing to side with the Dawnguard doesn’t change her role in the main plot or her availability as a follower after completing the questline. She will come to Fort Dawnguard while you are away and tell you of the prophecy. You and Serana will find a moth priest to read her Elder Scroll then go into Castle Volkiar to find her mother, Valerica. Serana’s personal quest to understand her past and her relationship with her father, Harkon, unfolds regardless of whether you embrace vampirism. She remains a permanent follower after the quest is completed.
Can You Change Your Mind Later?
While refusing Harkon initially locks you into the Dawnguard path, it doesn’t permanently preclude you from becoming a vampire later in the game. Serana, being a pureblood vampire, can offer you the gift of vampirism later on, even after you’ve dedicated yourself to the Dawnguard. However, this will have consequences; becoming a vampire while with the Dawnguard results in being kicked out until you are cured of your vampirism.
FAQs: Refusing Vampirism and Its Consequences
Here are some frequently asked questions about refusing vampirism in Skyrim’s Dawnguard DLC, offering even more clarity on the decision:
1. Can I still complete the Dawnguard DLC if I refuse Harkon’s offer?
Yes, absolutely. Refusing Harkon is the key to unlocking the Dawnguard storyline.
2. Do I miss out on important story elements by not becoming a Vampire Lord?
You miss a specific storyline related to vampire powers and perspective, but not the core conflict.
3. Will I still encounter Serana if I choose the Dawnguard?
Yes, Serana is crucial to the main storyline regardless of the side you choose.
4. Can I access Castle Volkihar at all if I choose the Dawnguard?
Yes, you will visit Castle Volkihar during the main Dawnguard questline. However, after Harkon is dead, you can visit Castle Volkihar, however, it will be empty.
5. Are there any specific benefits to siding with the Dawnguard besides avoiding vampirism?
The Dawnguard provides unique weapons and armor that are effective against vampires.
6. If I become a vampire later through Serana, can I rejoin the Dawnguard after being cured?
Yes, you can rejoin the Dawnguard after curing your vampirism, if you became a vampire after already being allied with the Dawnguard.
7. Does refusing vampirism affect my relationship with other factions in Skyrim?
No, your decision to side with the Dawnguard or Volkihar doesn’t affect your standing with other factions like the Companions or the College of Winterhold.
8. What are the long-term consequences of choosing the Dawnguard?
The most significant long-term consequence is that you will not be able to transform into a Vampire Lord.
9. Does refusing Harkon’s offer prevent me from getting 100% completion in Skyrim?
No, refusing Harkon doesn’t lock you out of any achievements or prevent you from achieving 100% completion.
10. Can I still get the achievements related to the Vampire Lord if I refuse Harkon initially?
No, you will need to become a Vampire Lord to earn those specific achievements, which may require a separate playthrough.
11. Does the difficulty of the game change based on whether I become a vampire or join the Dawnguard?
Gameplay difficulty is affected because vampires have a weakness to sunlight.
12. Does choosing the Dawnguard affect my ability to marry or have a family in Skyrim?
No, being with the Dawnguard does not affect your marital options.
13. Is there a “best” choice between joining the Dawnguard or becoming a vampire?
The “best” choice depends on your preferred playstyle and character alignment. Do you want to play a hero or an evil Vampire Lord?
14. Can you become the leader of the Dawnguard?
No, you cannot become the leader of the Dawnguard. Isran will always be in charge.
15. Where can I learn more about game-based learning and the educational aspects of games like Skyrim?
You can find more information and resources about game-based learning at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. GamesLearningSociety.org explores the intersection of education and games.
Conclusion: Your Path, Your Choice
Refusing Harkon’s offer to become a vampire is a significant decision that shapes your path through the Dawnguard DLC and beyond. While it means missing out on the unique powers and perspective of a Vampire Lord, it opens the door to a compelling storyline as a vampire hunter, complete with unique weapons, allies, and a morally righteous cause. Ultimately, the choice is yours, Dragonborn. Consider your playstyle, character alignment, and the type of adventure you seek, and choose the path that best suits your vision for your Skyrim experience.