Skyrim: Joining The Volkihar Vampire Clan

So, you're eager to join the Volkihar Vampire Clan in Skyrim, huh? That's awesome! This guide will walk you through the steps on how to become a creature of the night and immerse yourself in the Dawnguard DLC storyline. We'll cover everything from starting the questline to making the crucial decision of embracing vampirism. Get ready to delve into the dark side of Skyrim!

Embarking on the Dawnguard Questline

First things first, joining the Volkihar Vampire Clan requires you to have the Dawnguard DLC installed. If you've got that covered, you're on the right track! The Dawnguard questline is your gateway to vampire glory. To kick things off, you'll want to head to Fort Dawnguard, which is located in a southeastern corner of the map, east of Riften. You might hear rumors about a new Dawnguard forming, or you might even be approached by a Dawnguard member directly. Either way, these are your cues to begin the adventure.

As you approach Fort Dawnguard, you'll likely encounter some Dawnguard members battling vampires. This sets the stage for the conflict you're about to get involved in. Talk to the Dawnguard leader, Isran, inside the fort. He'll brief you on the vampire threat and task you with investigating a place called Dimhollow Crypt. This is where the real fun begins, guys! This initial quest, titled "Dawnguard," is crucial. It’s your ticket into the heart of the vampire-versus-Dawnguard conflict and the starting point for potentially joining the Volkihar Vampire Clan. Make sure you’re prepared for a journey, as Dimhollow Crypt isn’t exactly around the corner. Stock up on potions, gear, and maybe a companion to watch your back. The crypt itself is filled with draugr and other undead creatures, so be ready for a fight. Your skills in combat, especially against the undead, will be tested. Consider bringing along some silver weapons or spells that deal extra damage to undead foes. And don't forget a healthy supply of healing potions – you never know what lurks around the next corner in those dusty, ancient halls. Navigating the crypt can be a bit of a maze, so pay close attention to your surroundings and follow the quest markers closely. There are levers to pull, gates to open, and puzzles to solve, all while battling waves of enemies. Exploration is key, so take your time and search every nook and cranny. You never know what hidden treasures or useful items you might stumble upon. This early stage of the Dawnguard questline is designed to introduce you to the main players and the core conflict between the Dawnguard and the vampires. Isran, the grizzled and determined leader of the Dawnguard, will become a key figure in your journey, whether you choose to side with him or ultimately betray his trust. Similarly, the events unfolding within Dimhollow Crypt will reveal the magnitude of the vampire threat and the stakes involved in this ancient war. So, gear up, brace yourselves, and dive headfirst into the darkness of Dimhollow Crypt. Your first steps towards joining the Volkihar Vampire Clan are just around the corner!

Meeting Serana in Dimhollow Crypt

Inside Dimhollow Crypt, you'll eventually encounter Serana, an ancient and powerful vampire. She's a key player in this whole vampire business. Rescuing Serana is a pivotal moment in the Dawnguard questline, and it's what opens the door to potentially joining the Volkihar Vampire Clan. Serana is no ordinary vampire; she’s a pure-blooded Vampire Lord and the daughter of Lord Harkon, the leader of the Volkihar Clan. Her presence and her story are central to the Dawnguard DLC's narrative. Interacting with Serana will give you a glimpse into the vampire world and the complex dynamics within the Volkihar Clan. She's not just a damsel in distress; she’s a character with her own motivations, secrets, and a rich history. Pay attention to her dialogue and her perspective on the events unfolding. Her insights can be valuable, especially if you’re considering joining the vampires. During your time with Serana, you'll learn about her past, her relationship with her father, and the prophecy surrounding the Elder Scroll she carries. This information will shape your understanding of the conflict and influence your decisions moving forward. Rescuing her from Dimhollow Crypt is not just a simple fetch quest; it's the beginning of a complex and compelling storyline that will lead you down a path filled with choices and consequences. As you explore the crypt with Serana, you'll face numerous challenges and battles together. These shared experiences will forge a bond between you and her, making your eventual decision about which side to take even more impactful. Think of her as your guide into the vampire world. She can provide you with valuable information and insights into the Volkihar Clan's customs, powers, and weaknesses. Listen carefully to what she has to say, and don't be afraid to ask questions. She's a wealth of knowledge, and her guidance can be crucial in navigating the treacherous waters of vampire politics. As you progress through the Dawnguard questline, your relationship with Serana will continue to evolve. She’ll become a trusted companion and a valuable ally, regardless of which faction you ultimately choose to align with. However, her presence will always serve as a reminder of the choice you made and the path you’ve taken. So, be prepared to encounter Serana in the depths of Dimhollow Crypt. Her rescue is the turning point that sets you on the path towards the Volkihar Vampire Clan, but it also comes with its own set of complexities and challenges. Are you ready to face the darkness and embrace the vampire's embrace? The choice, as always, is yours.

The Choice: Dawnguard or Volkihar

After rescuing Serana, you'll need to bring her to her ancestral home, Castle Volkihar. Once you arrive at Castle Volkihar, Lord Harkon will offer you the Gift of Vampirism, this is the big moment, guys! You'll be presented with a choice: accept his gift and become a Vampire Lord, or refuse and return to Isran at Fort Dawnguard. This is a critical decision that shapes your entire gameplay experience. Choosing the Volkihar Vampire Clan means embracing the power of vampirism and siding with the ancient vampire lineage. You'll gain access to unique Vampire Lord powers, quests, and interactions within the vampire community. You'll also face the challenges and prejudices that come with being a vampire in Skyrim's society. This path allows you to delve deep into the lore and history of the Volkihar Clan, uncover their secrets, and experience the world from a distinctly vampiric perspective. On the other hand, refusing Harkon's gift means aligning yourself with the Dawnguard, a group dedicated to hunting vampires and protecting Skyrim from their threat. This path offers its own set of unique quests, characters, and rewards. You'll become a skilled vampire hunter, utilizing crossbows, armored trolls, and other anti-vampire weaponry to fight against the Volkihar Clan. Choosing the Dawnguard path allows you to experience the story from the perspective of those who oppose the vampires, offering a different lens through which to view the conflict. The decision to join the Volkihar Vampire Clan or the Dawnguard is not just about gameplay mechanics; it's about choosing a side in a moral conflict. Both factions have their own motivations and ideologies, and neither is entirely good or entirely evil. The vampires offer power and immortality, but at the cost of a normal life and with the risk of succumbing to their bloodlust. The Dawnguard seek to protect the innocent, but their methods can sometimes be harsh and unforgiving. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make, and there is no right or wrong answer. Consider your own character's values and motivations, and choose the path that aligns with your personal playstyle and preferences. Whichever side you choose, be prepared for a challenging and rewarding experience. The war between the vampires and the Dawnguard is a major conflict that will have a lasting impact on the world of Skyrim. So, choose wisely, and may your path be filled with adventure and excitement.

Accepting the Gift and Becoming a Vampire Lord

If you choose to accept Lord Harkon's gift, congratulations! You're now a Vampire Lord. Welcome to the club, my friend! This transformation grants you access to the Vampire Lord skill tree, new abilities, and a whole new way to play Skyrim. As a Vampire Lord, you'll have access to a unique set of powers and abilities that set you apart from ordinary vampires. You can transform into a powerful winged creature, drain the life force of your enemies, summon gargoyles to fight alongside you, and much more. The Vampire Lord form is a force to be reckoned with, allowing you to dominate the battlefield and strike fear into the hearts of your foes. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and vampirism has its own set of drawbacks. As a Vampire Lord, you'll be vulnerable to sunlight, which will weaken you and prevent you from regenerating health and magicka. You'll also need to feed on blood regularly to sustain your powers and avoid the negative effects of starvation. Managing your hunger and vulnerability to sunlight will be a key part of your gameplay experience as a Vampire Lord. But don't worry, there are ways to mitigate these drawbacks and embrace the full potential of your vampiric powers. You can acquire blood potions to feed without having to prey on innocent victims, and you can find ways to reduce your vulnerability to sunlight through certain perks and abilities. As you progress through the Vampire Lord skill tree, you'll unlock new powers and abilities that will make you even more formidable. You can enhance your melee attacks, improve your magical abilities, and even learn to transform into different creatures. The possibilities are endless, and the journey to becoming a master Vampire Lord is a rewarding one. Joining the Volkihar Vampire Clan as a Vampire Lord opens up a whole new world of quests, characters, and storylines. You'll interact with other vampires, uncover ancient secrets, and participate in the ongoing conflict with the Dawnguard. The vampire world is filled with intrigue, betrayal, and power struggles, and you'll need to navigate these treacherous waters carefully if you want to survive. But if you're willing to embrace the darkness and seize the power that vampirism offers, the Volkihar Vampire Clan is the perfect place for you. So, accept the gift, embrace your new form, and become the ultimate predator in Skyrim's dark and dangerous world.

Exploring Castle Volkihar and Vampire Society

As a member of the Volkihar Clan, you'll gain access to Castle Volkihar, a sprawling and ancient fortress located on a remote island. This place is seriously cool! Castle Volkihar serves as the main hub for the Volkihar Clan, and it's a fascinating place to explore. The castle is steeped in history and mystery, with hidden passages, secret chambers, and a dark, gothic atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of vampire society. You'll encounter a variety of vampire characters within the castle walls, each with their own personalities, motivations, and secrets. Some are loyal to Lord Harkon and the Volkihar Clan's traditions, while others harbor their own ambitions and agendas. Learning to navigate the social dynamics of Castle Volkihar is crucial if you want to thrive within the vampire community. You'll need to be cunning, persuasive, and perhaps even a little ruthless to gain the trust of your fellow vampires and earn a place within their ranks. As you explore the castle, you'll uncover clues about the Volkihar Clan's history, their ancient lineage, and their plans for the future. The castle is filled with hidden lore and secrets, waiting to be discovered by those who are willing to delve into its depths. You might stumble upon forgotten artifacts, ancient texts, or even secret chambers that reveal the true extent of the Volkihar Clan's power. It's like a giant, spooky puzzle box, guys! In addition to the main living areas, Castle Volkihar also features various facilities that are essential for vampire life. There's a blood supply for feeding, a laboratory for alchemy and crafting, and even a courtyard where you can practice your Vampire Lord abilities. The castle is designed to cater to the needs of its vampire inhabitants, providing them with everything they need to survive and thrive in the shadows. As a member of the Volkihar Clan, you'll also gain access to a unique set of quests and storylines that revolve around the vampire world. You'll be tasked with hunting down enemies, retrieving artifacts, and even infiltrating human settlements to gather information or sow chaos. The vampire quests are often morally ambiguous, forcing you to make difficult choices and weigh the consequences of your actions. But they also offer a unique and compelling gameplay experience that sets them apart from the main Skyrim storyline. So, take your time to explore Castle Volkihar, interact with its inhabitants, and immerse yourself in the vampire society. It's a fascinating and dangerous world, but one that offers immense rewards for those who are willing to embrace the darkness. Just remember to watch out for sunlight and keep your fangs sharp!

Enjoy Your Undead Life!

Joining the Volkihar Vampire Clan is a fantastic way to experience a different side of Skyrim. You'll get awesome powers, a spooky castle, and a whole new perspective on the game. Whether you embrace the darkness fully or try to maintain some semblance of humanity, your journey as a Vampire Lord is sure to be an unforgettable one. Remember to explore all the new quests and storylines available to you as a vampire, and don't be afraid to experiment with your new powers. You can become a master of illusion, a fearsome warrior, or a stealthy assassin, depending on your playstyle. The possibilities are endless, and the choice is yours. As you progress through the game as a vampire, you'll face numerous challenges and obstacles. You'll have to manage your hunger, avoid sunlight, and deal with the prejudices of the human world. But you'll also have the opportunity to forge alliances, uncover secrets, and ultimately shape the fate of Skyrim. The decisions you make as a vampire will have far-reaching consequences, so choose wisely and be prepared to live with the results. Embrace the darkness, guys! But don't forget to have fun along the way! Being a vampire in Skyrim is an incredibly rewarding experience, and it's a great way to add a new layer of depth and complexity to your gameplay. So, go out there, explore the world, and let your inner vampire shine. And who knows, maybe you'll even inspire others to join the Volkihar Vampire Clan and embrace the undead life as well. Just remember to keep your fangs sharp and your bloodlust under control, and you'll be just fine. So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide on how to join the Volkihar Vampire Clan in Skyrim. Now go forth, embrace the night, and become the ultimate creature of darkness!