What Happens When You Cure Yourself of Being a Werewolf?
So, you’ve embraced the beast within, torn through Skyrim’s forests under the light of the full moon, and perhaps even enjoyed the… unique dining options. But now, the call of the wild is fading, and you’re wondering what happens when you finally kick the lycanthropy habit. The simple answer is this: you revert to a normal, non-werewolf state. However, the implications of that simple answer are far more profound and ripple throughout your game experience.
Curing yourself removes the ability to transform into a werewolf. That means no more devastating melee attacks, no more intimidating howls, and no more immunity to disease. Your stats and abilities will return to whatever they were before you became a werewolf. Essentially, you’re trading the raw power and savage fury of the beast for a return to your former self.
The primary method of curing lycanthropy involves completing the Companions questline up to a certain point. Once you’ve ventured into Ysgramor’s Tomb, battled the spectral guardians of the past, and honored Kodlak Whitemane’s wish, you’ll gain the opportunity to cleanse yourself using the Flame of the Harbinger. You’ll need a Glenmoril Witch head to fuel the ritual. This quest permanently removes the werewolf perk from your character.
Another, often overlooked method is to embrace a different kind of darkness: vampirism. Asking Serana to turn you into a Vampire Lord will overwrite your lycanthropy, effectively curing you.
The consequences are numerous. Firstly, the active effects associated with being a werewolf will disappear. This includes immunity to diseases, the “Beast Form” power, and any stat bonuses you gained while transformed. You will once again be susceptible to diseases. Secondly, you will lose access to certain werewolf-specific content. For example, if you cure yourself before completing the Totems of Hircine quests, you will be unable to finish them. Also, after being cured, you can no longer access the Underforge until the Glory of the Dead quest becomes available. Additionally, if you have the Dragonborn DLC, you will be unable to start the quest Visit the hunters at Frostmoon Crag.
Finally, while you can become a werewolf again (provided you have the Dawnguard DLC) by seeking out Aela the Huntress, there’s a catch. Aela will only grant you lycanthropy once after your initial infection during the Companions questline. Curing yourself a second time essentially seals your fate – you can never become a werewolf again through Aela’s gift. However, turning into a Vampire Lord will still cure your lycanthropy without impacting Aela’s ability to turn you back into a werewolf.
In essence, curing lycanthropy is a significant decision with long-lasting effects. Consider the pros and cons carefully before taking the plunge, because the wilderness of Skyrim might start calling to you again someday.
Frequently Asked Questions About Curing Lycanthropy
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding curing and reacquiring lycanthropy:
How many times can you cure yourself of being a werewolf?
You can “cure” yourself an unlimited number of times by becoming a Vampire Lord. Each time you become a Vampire Lord, your werewolf form is erased. However, Aela the Huntress will only grant you lycanthropy once after the initial infection. So, you can cure yourself with the Flame of the Harbinger and then get re-infected by Aela, and then cure yourself via Vampire Lord, and so on. You cannot become a werewolf a 3rd time through the Companions.
Can I become a werewolf again after curing it?
Yes, but only once through Aela the Huntress if you have the Dawnguard DLC. Remember, becoming a Vampire Lord will also cure your lycanthropy, and it will allow you to regain lycanthropy via Aela again. This is only possible if you still have a remaining Aela “cure” available.
What happens if I refuse to become a werewolf during the Companions questline?
Refusing to become a werewolf does not impact the main quest. The Companions storyline is entirely separate. You simply won’t gain the benefits or drawbacks of lycanthropy.
Does becoming a werewolf cure vampirism?
Yes! Becoming a werewolf immediately cures any form of vampirism you may have contracted. It’s a one-way ticket out of the vampire life, at least temporarily.
Can I cure lycanthropy without the Companions questline?
The primary method involves the Companions questline, specifically the Glory of the Dead quest. The alternative is to become a Vampire Lord.
What if I can’t activate the blue flame after Kodlak is cured?
Sometimes, a bug prevents you from using the Flame of the Harbinger immediately after curing Kodlak. Try doing radiant quests for the Companions until a Purity mission becomes available. After completing that mission, you should be able to use the flame again.
Does curing lycanthropy affect my skills?
Curing lycanthropy does not inherently reset or reduce your skill levels. Your skills return to what they were before you became a werewolf. You will lose any progress made exclusively in the werewolf skill tree.
Are there any permanent benefits to being a werewolf?
The primary benefits are the ability to transform into a powerful beast, immunity to diseases while in human form, and the ability to intimidate others more easily. However, the drawbacks, such as the inability to gain rested bonuses and the negative reactions from some NPCs, can outweigh the benefits for some players.
Does curing lycanthropy affect my relationships with other characters?
Generally, curing lycanthropy doesn’t significantly impact your relationships with most characters. The main exception is other werewolves, who might express disappointment in your choice.
Can I still use werewolf perks after being cured?
No. Once you’re cured, the werewolf perk and the associated skill tree are no longer accessible. Any perk points you invested in the werewolf skill tree are effectively lost.
What happens to my werewolf transformations after being cured?
After being cured, you cannot transform into a werewolf. The Beast Form power is removed from your list of abilities.
Is curing lycanthropy a reversible decision?
Yes, to a degree. You can become a werewolf again once through Aela if you have the Dawnguard DLC.
Will NPCs react differently if I’m a cured werewolf?
Most NPCs won’t know you were ever a werewolf. The curing process is relatively discreet.
Are there any downsides to being a vampire lord instead of being a werewolf?
Both vampire lords and werewolves have downsides. Vampires suffer penalties in sunlight and need to feed on blood to survive. Werewolves can’t gain rested bonuses and face negative reactions from some NPCs.
Where can I learn more about werewolves and other game mechanics?
The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) has a lot of interesting information about different gaming aspects. Consider visiting Games Learning Society to broaden your knowledge!
That’s everything you need to know about the implications of curing yourself of being a werewolf in Skyrim. It’s a personal choice, and the best decision depends on your playstyle and preferences. Good luck on your adventures, whether you choose the path of the beast or the path of humanity!