What Happens If You Give Harkon the Bow in Skyrim?

The Dawnguard DLC for Skyrim presents players with numerous choices that impact the storyline and character relationships. One critical decision revolves around Auriel’s Bow. So, what precisely happens if you decide to hand it over to the treacherous Lord Harkon? The short answer is: he will betray you and attack. Regardless of your choice, a fight is inevitable, and you’re better off keeping the bow for your own use.

The game mechanics are designed this way to ensure that the narrative progresses towards a final confrontation with Harkon. Giving him the bow does not change the final outcome, only your momentary access to a powerful artifact. Keeping the bow allows you to leverage its powers during the climactic battle, turning the odds more in your favor. The outcome is always the same: Harkon attacks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Harkon, Auriel’s Bow, and the Dawnguard DLC

Here are 15 FAQs to guide you through the complexities of dealing with Harkon and his quest for power, ensuring you make the best decisions for your Dragonborn’s journey:

1. Does Lord Harkon always betray the Dragonborn?

Yes, Harkon always betrays the Dragonborn, regardless of your initial interactions or apparent allegiance. At the end of the Dawnguard questline, when the Dragonborn presents him with Auriel’s Bow, Harkon will attempt to kill you before he can use the bow to blot out the sun. Betrayal is integral to his character and the plot’s progression.

2. Can you kill Harkon early?

No, you cannot kill Harkon early. The game mechanics prevent you from eliminating him before the designated questline conclusion. The narrative requires his presence for story development, and attempting to kill him prematurely will either be impossible or result in a game over scenario.

3. What happens if you refuse Harkon’s gift?

If you refuse Harkon’s offer to become a Vampire Lord, you will be banished from Castle Volkihar. This means you won’t be able to re-enter without completing specific quests that allow you to return, usually by siding with the Dawnguard. This choice essentially locks you into the Dawnguard questline, preventing further association with the vampires.

4. Do you still get Auriel’s Bow if you become a Vampire Lord?

Yes, you can obtain Auriel’s Bow regardless of whether you choose to side with the Dawnguard or the Volkihar vampires. The bow is a crucial element of the main questline within the Dawnguard DLC, and its acquisition is not affected by your faction choice.

5. What should I do after killing Harkon?

Following Harkon’s death, either Isran (if you’re not a vampire) or Garan Merethi (if you’re a vampire) will approach you. Isran will offer you membership in the Dawnguard if you’re not already a member, while Garan Merethi will declare Castle Volkihar as your new home if you’re a vampire.

6. Is it better to side with Harkon or Dawnguard?

The best side depends on your character’s alignment and playstyle. If you enjoy the Vampire Lord gameplay and benefits, siding with Harkon is preferable. If you prefer hunting vampires, utilizing crossbows, and playing as a “good” character, the Dawnguard is the better option. Dawnguard also gives access to the Enhanced Dwarven Crossbow

7. Can I become a Vampire Lord if I side with the Dawnguard?

Yes, you can become a Vampire Lord even if you initially side with the Dawnguard. During the “Bloodline” quest, you have the choice to accept Harkon’s gift. Additionally, Serana can turn you into a Vampire Lord later, even after siding with the Dawnguard.

8. Can you cure Serana after killing Harkon?

Yes, Serana can be cured of her vampirism after the main Dawnguard questline is completed. You can take her to Falion in Morthal, who will perform a ritual to cure her. This option becomes available after completing the questline and requires you to have a conversation with Serana about her condition.

9. What happens if you put blood on Auriel’s Bow?

Using Auriel’s Bow with blood-soaked arrows allows you to shoot the sun, creating a temporary eclipse. This eclipse enables vampires to move more freely during the daytime, diminishing the sun’s harmful effects on them. This ability is primarily beneficial if you’re playing as a vampire.

10. Does Harkon know you are Dragonborn?

While there isn’t explicit dialogue confirming Harkon’s knowledge of your Dragonborn status, it’s plausible he is aware. Other powerful entities in Skyrim recognize the Dragonborn, and Harkon’s cunning suggests he’s likely aware of your unique abilities.

11. Can you let Lord Harkon live?

No, you cannot spare Lord Harkon’s life. The storyline culminates in a final battle where you are required to defeat him, regardless of which faction you choose. Killing Harkon is a mandatory objective to complete the Dawnguard questline.

12. Can you marry Serana after curing her?

Without mods, you cannot marry Serana even after curing her. The game does not offer a marriage option for her, regardless of her vampire status. However, fan-made mods do exist that enable you to marry Serana, adding a new layer to the gameplay.

13. How do I make Serana like you?

Building Serana’s affinity towards you involves engaging in meaningful conversations throughout the questline and showing empathy towards her situation. Asking her about her past and expressing understanding of her experiences as a vampire will help to gain her trust and respect.

14. Which is better, Dawnguard or vampire?

The “better” side is subjective and depends on your preferred playstyle. Vampires offer powerful abilities, such as Vampire Lord transformations, but come with drawbacks like sunlight vulnerability. Dawnguard provides access to powerful crossbows, anti-vampire weaponry, and a more “heroic” storyline.

15. What is the strongest bow in Skyrim?

While Auriel’s Bow is highly sought after for its unique abilities, the Dwarven Black Bow of Fate is considered one of the strongest bows in terms of raw damage output. Its ability to inflict random elemental damage makes it a formidable weapon.

Understanding these nuances can significantly enhance your experience with the Dawnguard DLC, enabling you to make informed decisions and navigate the treacherous path laid out by Harkon and his vampire court. Remember, every choice has consequences, and the fate of Skyrim rests on your shoulders.

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