Which Spouses Can Become Vampires in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
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The world of Skyrim offers players a vast array of choices, from the path of a noble hero to the alluring darkness of a vampire lord. One of the more intriguing aspects of this is the ability to turn your spouse into a creature of the night. But which of the available marriage candidates are eligible for this transformative, yet irreversible, gift?
Here’s the straightforward answer: Many spouses can be turned into vampires in Skyrim. This includes a diverse group, such as: Argis the Bulwark, Athis, Balimund, Benor, Borgach the Steelheart, Cosnach, Deerkethus, Dravynea the Stoneweaver, Ghorza gra-Bagol, Janessa, Octieve San, Omluag, Onmund, Perth, Romlyn Dreth, Scouts Many Marshes, Shavee, Sondas Drenim, Stenvar, Torvar, Viola Giordano, and Vorstag.
The process is simple but requires a specific condition to be met. You, the Dragonborn, must already be a vampire, which is typically achieved through progressing the Dawnguard DLC questline. Once you are a vampire, you can turn your spouse by feeding on them while they sleep. This is a dark gift and should be carefully considered, as it cannot be undone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Vampire Spouses in Skyrim
### 1. Can I turn any spouse into a vampire?
No, not all spouses can be turned. As outlined above, the eligible list is specific. Certain prominent spouses, like Aela the Huntress, are notably absent from this list. This is due to the limitations coded into the game. While most of the usual candidates are open to the dark gift, Aela remains forever beyond its reach.
2. Does turning my spouse into a vampire affect their gameplay?
Interestingly, turning your spouse into a vampire has minimal effect on their gameplay. They may gain some visual changes, such as pale skin and red eyes, but their fighting ability and behavior largely remain the same. There are no notable statistical changes, and it’s more of a cosmetic alteration.
3. What visual changes occur when a spouse becomes a vampire?
The most noticeable change is the alteration in their appearance. Their skin will become paler, and their eyes will turn red. Some spouses, like Ysolda, will also develop unique facial markings, adding to the visual distinction of being a vampire. These markings aren’t universal and contribute to the uniqueness of each vampire spouse.
4. Is there a quest to turn my spouse into a vampire?
While not an official quest, the act of turning your spouse is considered a side activity for vampire players. It’s sometimes referred to as “The gift” quest, though there are no specific objectives or quest markers associated. Simply being a vampire and feeding on your sleeping spouse will transform them.
5. How do I become a vampire in the first place?
The most common way to become a vampire is by contracting Sanguinare Vampiris and allowing it to progress. However, if you have the Dawnguard DLC, Lord Harkon can transform you. You can also get the vampirism disease by battling and getting bit by a Vampire or another creature that carries the infection. Additionally, you can transform at anytime after completing the Dawnguard quest line with Serana’s help.
6. Can I cure my spouse of vampirism?
Unfortunately, once your spouse has become a vampire, there is no in-game method to cure them. This transformation is permanent, and players should consider the implications before transforming their spouse.
7. What is the best spouse to turn into a vampire?
There is no single “best” choice, but Ysolda is a popular option due to her unusual facial markings after becoming a vampire. She’s also readily accessible in the Whiterun market, making her easy to marry if she’s not your existing spouse. The choice ultimately depends on personal preference.
8. Why is Aela the Huntress not an eligible vampire spouse?
Aela the Huntress is not available as a vampire spouse due to a questline incompatibility. The Companions questline requires you to become a werewolf, and the game does not allow you to be a werewolf and a vampire at the same time without using a glitch. She is also a character heavily invested in her lycanthropy, which further excludes her.
9. Can I still marry Aela if I am a vampire?
You can marry Aela, but it requires you to complete the Companions questline, which makes you a werewolf. You can then use Serana’s help after finishing the Dawnguard questline to turn back into a vampire if you wish.
10. Can I turn my housecarl, such as Lydia, into a vampire?
Yes, you can turn Lydia or other housecarl followers into a vampire. This applies to the ones on the list mentioned in the article. The process is identical; you must be a vampire and feed on them while they sleep. This will transform them into a vampire NPC.
11. What are the pros and cons of turning a follower into a vampire?
The pros are purely aesthetic, as they get a vampire appearance. The cons are the risk associated with any vampire, which include possible hostility from certain NPCs in towns if you’re not careful. There aren’t any statistical benefits or unique abilities gained from turning a follower.
12. Can I be a werewolf and a vampire at the same time?
Officially, you cannot be both a werewolf and a vampire at the same time in the base game. However, there is a glitch that can be performed if you choose to do so. It requires specific steps to achieve a hybrid state where you have the advantages of both.
13. Can I still complete the Companions questline as a vampire?
Yes, you can complete the Companions questline, but it will force you to become a werewolf. After completing the questline, you can change back into a vampire by using Serana after finishing the Dawnguard story line.
14. Are there benefits to marrying Aela beyond turning her into a vampire?
Aela the Huntress is one of the strongest followers in the game. She’s an expert archer and a formidable fighter in both human and werewolf forms. Marrying her also provides you with free Archery training, which is a significant advantage. However, she cannot be turned into a vampire spouse.
15. Does turning my spouse into a vampire make them more powerful?
No, turning your spouse into a vampire does not enhance their combat prowess. They don’t gain new abilities or buffs. The change is primarily cosmetic. The process, as of now, has no further gameplay features that follow. The only real difference is the red eyes and pale skin.
In conclusion, while not all spouses can be transformed, there is a sizable list of characters you can turn into a vampire if you so desire. The process is straightforward, but the effects are permanent, making it a choice that should be thoughtfully considered. The visual changes are the most prominent outcome, providing a personalized touch to your vampiric experience in Skyrim.