Skyrim: Joining The Volkihar Vampire Faction - A Complete Guide

Hey guys! So you're diving into the dark and alluring world of vampirism in Skyrim and want to join the Volkihar Vampire faction? Awesome choice! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to become a creature of the night in the Dawnguard DLC. We'll cover the steps to initiate the questline, the decisions you'll face, and what you can expect as a member of this powerful vampire clan. Let's get started!

Initiating the Dawnguard Questline and Finding Castle Volkihar

To begin your journey into the Volkihar Vampire Clan, you'll first need to kick off the Dawnguard questline. This is triggered by a few different methods, so you've got options! The most straightforward way is to simply reach level 10. Once you hit level 10, you should start hearing rumors from guards about the Dawnguard, a group of vampire hunters. You might also encounter Dawnguard members traveling the roads, actively recruiting for their cause. Alternatively, you can head directly to Fort Dawnguard, located in the southeastern corner of the map, east of Riften. This is where the questline officially begins.

Once you arrive at Fort Dawnguard, you'll be greeted by Isran, the leader of the Dawnguard. He's a grizzled veteran vampire hunter, and he's actively seeking recruits to combat the growing vampire threat in Skyrim. After a brief conversation about the recent vampire attacks, Isran will task you with investigating a mysterious ancient crypt. This quest, known as "Awakening," is your gateway to the Volkihar Clan. During this quest, you will travel to Dimhollow Crypt, where you'll encounter Serana, a pure-blooded vampire and the daughter of Lord Harkon, the leader of the Volkihar Clan. Serana is a pivotal character in the Dawnguard DLC, and your interactions with her will significantly impact the storyline. Your main keyword here is the Volkihar Vampire faction, keep that in mind! Make sure to pay attention to Serana's dialogue and her backstory, as it's crucial for understanding the events to come. Protecting Serana and escorting her back to her family is the next key step in joining the Volkihar Clan. Think of this as your interview to join the vampires. You're proving you can handle dangerous situations and are willing to align yourself with powerful figures. Returning Serana to Castle Volkihar is not just a quest objective; it's your official entrance into the vampire world.

Choosing Your Path: Joining Lord Harkon and the Volkihar Clan

After escorting Serana, you'll arrive at Castle Volkihar, a foreboding fortress located on a remote island off the coast of Skyrim. This is the ancestral home of the Volkihar Clan, and it's quite the sight! Expect a dark, gothic atmosphere, with plenty of vampires lurking in the shadows. The castle itself is a testament to the clan's power and ancient lineage. Inside, you'll meet Lord Harkon, the patriarch of the Volkihar Clan and one of the most powerful vampires in Skyrim. This is where the big decision comes in, guys! Harkon will offer you the gift of vampirism, inviting you to join his clan and become a Vampire Lord yourself. This is a major turning point in the Dawnguard questline, as it determines which faction you will align with. Now, this is crucial: to join the Volkihar Vampire Clan, you must accept Harkon's offer. This is the only way to become a member of the faction and progress through their storyline. If you refuse his offer, you will be forced to join the Dawnguard, effectively locking you out of the vampire content. So, if you're reading this guide, I'm guessing you're ready to embrace the darkness! Accepting Harkon's gift will initiate a transformation sequence, turning your character into a Vampire Lord. This is more than just a cosmetic change; it grants you new abilities, powers, and a whole new way to play the game. You'll gain access to the Vampire Lord skill tree, which allows you to unlock powerful spells and abilities unique to vampires. Plus, you'll get access to the Vampire Lord form, which transforms you into a fearsome creature of the night, complete with bat-like wings and deadly claws. Becoming a Vampire Lord is a big deal, and it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. You'll be stronger and faster, especially at night, and you'll gain resistance to diseases and poisons. However, you'll also be vulnerable to sunlight, which will weaken you and prevent you from regenerating health, magicka, or stamina during the day. You'll also need to feed regularly on blood to avoid becoming blood-starved, which can lead to negative effects like reduced stats and increased hostility from NPCs. But hey, that's part of the vampire life, right? Now, joining the Volkihar Vampire faction isn't just about power; it's about embracing a different perspective on the world of Skyrim. You'll be immersed in a society of ancient vampires with their own customs, rivalries, and ambitions. You'll interact with fascinating characters, uncover dark secrets, and ultimately play a role in shaping the future of the vampire world in Skyrim.

Life as a Volkihar Vampire: Quests, Powers, and Consequences

Alright, you've taken the plunge and joined the Volkihar Clan! Now what? Well, life as a vampire in Skyrim is certainly… eventful. You'll have access to a whole new questline, unique powers, and a different set of challenges to overcome. The Volkihar questline is filled with intrigue, dark magic, and plenty of vampire politics. You'll be tasked with missions that range from retrieving ancient artifacts to eliminating rival vampire clans. You'll work alongside other members of the Volkihar Clan, including Serana, who will continue to play a significant role in the storyline. One of the main focuses of the Volkihar questline is Lord Harkon's grand plan to blot out the sun. Yeah, you heard that right! Harkon wants to plunge Skyrim into eternal darkness, giving vampires an unprecedented advantage over mortals. This is a pretty ambitious goal, and it's going to require a lot of effort (and a lot of vampire power) to achieve. As a member of the Volkihar Vampire faction, you'll be instrumental in carrying out Harkon's plans. This means you'll be engaging in some pretty morally questionable activities, so be prepared to embrace the darker side of your character. But hey, that's part of the fun, right? As a Vampire Lord, you'll have access to a unique skill tree that allows you to customize your powers and abilities. You can unlock spells that drain health, summon gargoyles, and even transform into a swarm of bats. You'll also have access to powerful melee attacks, like claws and bites, that can tear through enemies with ease. The Vampire Lord form is incredibly powerful, but it's not without its drawbacks. While transformed, you won't be able to use your regular equipment or spells. You'll also be vulnerable to sunlight, so you'll need to be careful about when and where you transform. Managing your vampirism is a key aspect of playing as a member of the Volkihar Vampire faction. As mentioned earlier, you'll need to feed regularly on blood to avoid becoming blood-starved. You can feed on sleeping NPCs, or you can use the Drain Life spell to siphon blood from your enemies. The more you feed, the more powerful you'll become, but you'll also become more recognizable as a vampire, which can lead to hostility from guards and townspeople. So, you'll need to strike a balance between feeding enough to maintain your powers and avoiding detection. The Volkihar Clan offers a unique and compelling experience for players who want to embrace the darker side of Skyrim. It's a chance to play as a powerful vampire, wield dark magic, and shape the fate of the vampire world. Just remember, joining the clan comes with its own set of responsibilities and consequences. You'll need to make tough choices, navigate vampire politics, and manage the challenges of being a creature of the night. But if you're up for the challenge, the rewards are well worth it!

Tips and Tricks for Thriving as a Volkihar Vampire

Okay, you're officially a member of the Volkihar Vampire faction, ready to dominate the night. But to truly thrive in this role, there are a few tips and tricks you should keep in mind. These will help you maximize your power, manage your weaknesses, and generally make your life as a vampire a little bit easier. First and foremost, let's talk about feeding. As we've discussed, feeding is crucial for maintaining your vampiric powers and avoiding the negative effects of blood starvation. But finding a reliable source of blood can be tricky, especially in a world full of watchful guards and wary townspeople. One of the easiest ways to feed is to sneak into people's homes at night and feed on them while they sleep. This is a relatively safe method, as long as you're careful not to get caught. You can also use the Vampire's Servant spell to enthrall weaker NPCs and bring them back to Castle Volkihar for a meal. This is a more efficient way to feed, but it's also riskier, as it can attract attention if you're not careful. Another option is to feed on your enemies during combat. The Drain Life spell is a great way to do this, as it allows you to siphon blood from your opponents while simultaneously damaging them. This is a particularly useful strategy in dungeons and other areas where you're likely to encounter hostile creatures. Managing your sunlight vulnerability is another key aspect of playing as a Volkihar Vampire. Sunlight can be a major hindrance, as it prevents you from regenerating health, magicka, or stamina and weakens your overall abilities. To mitigate this, you'll want to avoid spending too much time outdoors during the day. Travel at night whenever possible, and seek shelter in caves, buildings, or other covered areas during the day. You can also use spells and abilities that provide resistance to sunlight, such as the Vampire Lord's Blood Healing ability. This ability allows you to rapidly regenerate health while in Vampire Lord form, even in direct sunlight. Another useful trick is to invest in gear that provides resistance to fire. Vampires are inherently weak to fire, so anything you can do to offset this vulnerability will be a huge help. Look for armor, rings, and amulets that offer fire resistance, and consider using potions or enchantments that provide additional protection. Don't be afraid to embrace the darker aspects of your character. Being a vampire comes with certain advantages, such as the ability to intimidate and manipulate mortals. Use these powers to your advantage, whether it's to get information, avoid a fight, or simply get your way. Just remember that your actions have consequences, and you may make enemies along the way. Finally, explore Castle Volkihar and talk to the other members of the clan. The castle is full of secrets, and the other vampires can offer valuable advice, quests, and training. Don't be afraid to ask questions and learn about the clan's history, customs, and ambitions. The more you know, the better equipped you'll be to thrive in this dark and fascinating world. Joining the Volkihar Vampire faction is a thrilling experience, offering a unique perspective on the world of Skyrim. By mastering the art of feeding, managing your sunlight vulnerability, and embracing your vampiric powers, you can become a true force to be reckoned with. So, go forth and conquer the night, my fellow vampire!

Conclusion: Embracing the Night as a Volkihar Vampire

So, there you have it! A comprehensive guide on how to join the Volkihar Vampire faction in Skyrim. From initiating the Dawnguard questline to embracing the darkness as a Vampire Lord, you're now equipped with the knowledge to navigate the treacherous world of vampires in Skyrim. Remember, joining the Volkihar Clan is more than just a gameplay choice; it's a commitment to a different way of life. You'll face new challenges, wield incredible powers, and make morally ambiguous decisions that will shape your character's destiny. Whether you choose to embrace the darkness fully or try to retain some semblance of your former self is up to you. The beauty of Skyrim is the freedom it offers, and the Volkihar questline is no exception. So, embrace the night, explore the secrets of Castle Volkihar, and carve your own path as a creature of the darkness. The world of Skyrim awaits, and it's ripe for the taking... or the biting! Happy gaming, everyone!