Refusing the Vampire Lord’s Embrace: A Deep Dive into Skyrim’s Dawnguard
So, you’re standing before Lord Harkon in Castle Volkihar, and he’s offering you the “gift” of vampirism, transforming you into a Vampire Lord. But something feels off. Maybe you’re not a fan of fangs, or perhaps you prefer hunting vampires rather than becoming one. What happens if you refuse his offer? In short, refusing Harkon’s offer will banish you from Castle Volkihar, locking you out of the vampire questline and firmly placing you on the side of the Dawnguard. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this pivotal decision and its ramifications.
Choosing the Path of the Sun: The Dawnguard Awaits
No Turning Back
The moment you refuse Harkon’s offer, the dialogue seals your fate. You are immediately considered an enemy of the Volkihar Clan. The vampires will become hostile, and you’ll have to fight your way out of the castle. This is a point of no return. There is no changing your mind later, even with console commands. Once you choose, you’re committed to the Dawnguard questline.
Joining the Ranks of the Vigilants
After escaping Castle Volkihar, you’ll be directed back to Fort Dawnguard. Isran, the leader of the Dawnguard, will welcome you with open arms (or at least, less suspicion). You can now officially join their ranks and begin the fight against the vampire threat. This will involve completing quests to eliminate vampire nests, rescue potential recruits, and gather information about the Volkihar Clan’s plans.
A Different Perspective on the Main Quest
While the ultimate goal of stopping Harkon and preventing the eternal night remains the same, the Dawnguard’s perspective differs significantly. Instead of learning about the inner workings of the vampire court from within, you will be relying on information gathered from the outside. This means more emphasis on reconnaissance, combat, and potentially less on the subtle manipulation and social interactions you would experience as a Vampire Lord.
Consequences and Considerations
Alignment and Roleplaying
Choosing the Dawnguard aligns you with a faction dedicated to eradicating vampires. This is a good fit for characters who are naturally good-aligned, or who have a strong aversion to the undead. It allows you to roleplay as a righteous hero, protecting the innocent from the dark forces that threaten Skyrim. Even if you are a bad guy, you might like the idea of eliminating vampires.
Gameplay Differences
While the core questline remains largely the same regardless of your chosen side, there are noticeable differences in gameplay. As a member of the Dawnguard, you’ll gain access to unique weapons and armor designed specifically for vampire hunting. These include crossbows with specialized bolts, enhanced dwarven armor, and powerful spells focused on dealing extra damage to the undead. You’ll also have access to armored trolls.
Interaction with Serana
Even if you refuse Harkon’s offer, Serana will still accompany you. She is integral to the main questline, serving as a guide and providing crucial information about Auriel’s Bow and the Elder Scrolls. Her dialogue will adapt slightly to reflect your alliance with the Dawnguard, but her core personality and motivations remain unchanged. This allows you to experience her character development and form a bond with her, regardless of your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I ever become a Vampire Lord if I initially refuse Harkon’s offer?
No, not through natural means. Once you refuse Harkon’s offer and commit to the Dawnguard questline, there is no in-game way to reverse your decision and become a Vampire Lord. However, Serana can turn you into a Vampire Lord later in the game, even if you side with the Dawnguard.
Q2: Does siding with the Dawnguard affect my ability to complete the main questline of the Dawnguard DLC?
No, it does not. Both sides eventually lead to the same main objectives: finding Auriel’s Bow, understanding its power, and confronting Harkon. The journey and the perspective differ, but the ultimate goal remains consistent.
Q3: What are the benefits of joining the Dawnguard instead of becoming a Vampire Lord?
The main benefits include access to unique Dawnguard weapons and armor, specialized crossbows and bolts for vampire hunting, and the satisfaction of fighting for the forces of good (or at least, against a perceived evil).
Q4: Will I miss out on any unique locations or items by refusing to become a Vampire Lord?
You will miss out on the unique environment of Castle Volkihar as a resident, as well as the Vampire Lord skill tree and powers. However, you will still get to visit most of the locations and obtain key items, such as Harkon’s Sword, through the normal course of completing the main quest.
Q5: Can I still interact with Serana even if I refuse to become a Vampire Lord?
Yes! Serana is a crucial character regardless of your chosen faction. She will still follow you, provide dialogue, and play a vital role in the main questline.
Q6: Does refusing Harkon’s offer affect my ability to marry someone in Skyrim?
No, it does not. Your marital status is independent of your allegiance in the Dawnguard DLC. You can still marry any eligible NPC, regardless of whether you are aligned with the Dawnguard or the vampires.
Q7: Can I become a werewolf if I refuse to become a Vampire Lord?
Yes! Becoming a werewolf is entirely separate from the Dawnguard DLC. You can pursue the Companions questline and embrace lycanthropy regardless of your choices in the Dawnguard storyline.
Q8: Is it possible to contract vampirism naturally (not becoming a Vampire Lord) if I side with the Dawnguard?
Yes, it is possible. You can contract vampirism by fighting vampires, even while aligned with the Dawnguard. However, it is easily curable with a simple visit to any shrine or by consuming a potion of cure disease.
Q9: What happens if I am already a vampire when I approach the Dawnguard?
If you are already a vampire when you attempt to join the Dawnguard, Isran will insist that you cure yourself before he will allow you to join their ranks. He will direct you to Falion in Morthal for assistance.
Q10: Are there any unique quests available only to the Dawnguard?
Yes, there are several radiant quests that are unique to the Dawnguard, primarily focused on hunting down vampire lairs and eliminating vampire threats across Skyrim.
Q11: Can I change my mind later and join the vampires after initially siding with the Dawnguard?
Not in the traditional sense. The initial choice at Castle Volkihar is a point of no return. However, Serana can turn you into a Vampire Lord later in the game, even if you side with the Dawnguard.
Q12: Does refusing to become a Vampire Lord affect my ability to use certain skills or abilities?
It doesn’t directly affect your ability to use other skills. What you gain from refusing to become a vampire lord are the skill points and gear that you get by going the Dawnguard side.
Q13: Can I still get Harkon’s sword if I side with the Dawnguard?
Yes! The final confrontation with Harkon is the same regardless of which side you choose. You will still have the opportunity to defeat him and claim his sword as your own.
Q14: Does Serana ever leave my service if I side with the Dawnguard?
Serana remains your follower for a significant portion of the Dawnguard questline. After the main quest is completed, she will remain with you unless you specifically dismiss her. Even then, she will usually be found at Fort Dawnguard or Castle Volkihar, depending on her current state.
Q15: Is there any way to become a Vampire Lord again if I choose to cure myself after Serana turns me?
Yes, Serana can turn you into a Vampire Lord again if you choose to cure yourself. You can ask her to turn you into a Vampire Lord as many times as you like.
Choosing to refuse Lord Harkon’s offer and siding with the Dawnguard is a significant decision that shapes your experience within the Dawnguard DLC. It allows you to embody a character dedicated to fighting against the vampire threat, offers unique gameplay opportunities with specialized weapons and armor, and still allows you to experience the compelling narrative and character interactions that make the DLC so memorable. Whether you’re driven by a sense of justice, a disdain for the undead, or simply a preference for crossbows over fangs, the path of the Dawnguard offers a compelling alternative to the allure of vampirism. As you navigate the vast world of Skyrim, remember to embrace the freedom of choice and explore the possibilities that lie within each decision, because the path you choose will ultimately determine your destiny in the realm of dragons and ancient evils.
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