Embark on a thrilling adventure into the clandestine realm of vampires in the enchanting world of Skyrim. Transform yourself into a creature of the night, harnessing ancient powers and immersing yourself in a society hidden from the eyes of mortals. By joining the vampires, you will unlock a myriad of unique abilities, delve into intriguing quests, and forge alliances with enigmatic characters. Whether you seek to embrace the darkness or simply quench your thirst for knowledge, this extraordinary journey awaits you.
To become a vampire in Skyrim, you must first succumb to their deadly embrace. This can occur through various encounters with vampires scattered throughout the vast land. Once infected, you will embark on a transformative process that will gradually alter your physical appearance and grant you newfound abilities. As you progress in your vampiric existence, you will encounter a range of vampire clans, each with its own unique characteristics and allegiances. By choosing to align yourself with a particular clan, you will gain access to exclusive benefits and delve into their intricate and often perilous political landscapes.
Being a vampire comes with both advantages and challenges. As a creature of the night, you will possess enhanced physical attributes, including increased strength, agility, and resistance to certain forms of damage. Your vampiric powers will allow you to drain the life essence of your foes, heal yourself from grievous wounds, and command the shadows to your will. However, these newfound abilities come at a price. As a vampire, you will be vulnerable to sunlight and suffer from weaknesses to fire and certain spells. Additionally, you will face the constant need to feed on the blood of the living, a thirst that must be satiated regularly to maintain your strength and avoid degeneration.
Prerequisites for Joining the Vampires
To delve into the shadowy realm of vampirism in Skyrim, you must meet several prerequisites. Primarily, your character should reach level 10 and complete the quest "Laid to Rest." This journey takes you to Morthal, a settlement haunted by a vampire threat. During your investigation, you encounter vampires at the local inn, The Sleeping Giant, and confront the vampire lord, Movarth Piquine.
Once you vanquish Movarth and cleanse Morthal of the vampire infestation, you’ll receive a letter summoning you to Castle Volkihar. This enigmatic abode is the stronghold of the Volkihar Clan, the most powerful vampire coven in Skyrim. The invitation extends the opportunity to join their ranks, granting you access to their dark powers and sinister secrets. However, be warned that this path is fraught with peril and may irrevocably alter your character’s destiny.
Additional Requirements
In addition to the aforementioned prerequisites, joining the Vampires also requires meeting the following conditions:
**Table of Additional Requirements:**
| Requirement |
|---|
| Having the Dawnguard DLC installed |
| Completing the quest “Chasing Echoes” |
| Choosing to side with the vampires during the civil war between the Dawnguard and the Volkihar Clan |
Unveiling the Volkihar Clan
The Volkihar Clan is a powerful and ancient vampire clan that resides in Castle Volkihar, high in the mountains of Skyrim. They are led by Lord Harkon, an ambitious and powerful vampire who seeks to conquer all of Skyrim and plunge it into eternal darkness. The clan is composed of a variety of vampires, from young and inexperienced to ancient and powerful. They are organized into a strict hierarchy, with Lord Harkon at the top and his closest advisors and family members below him.
The clan has a long and bloody history. They were founded by Lord Harkon centuries ago, and have since expanded their influence throughout Skyrim. They are known for their brutality and their willingness to use violence to achieve their goals. The Volkihar Clan is a threat to all who oppose them, and their power is growing.
Joining the Clan
Joining the Volkihar Clan is a complex and dangerous process. Only the most powerful and ruthless vampires are invited to join the clan. To be considered for membership, a vampire must first prove their worth by completing a series of trials. These trials can be extremely difficult, and many vampires fail to complete them.
If a vampire successfully completes the trials, they will be granted an audience with Lord Harkon. Lord Harkon will then decide whether or not to allow the vampire to join the clan. If the vampire is accepted, they will be sworn into the clan and given a new name.
| Trial | Description |
|---|---|
| The Trial of Blood | The vampire must kill a powerful enemy and drink their blood. |
| The Trial of Fire | The vampire must walk through a blazing inferno without being harmed. |
| The Trial of Ice | The vampire must survive being frozen solid for an hour. |
Embracing the Curse of Vampirism
To become a vampire in Skyrim, you must receive a bite from an existing vampire. Once infected, you will go through a short transformation period where your health will decrease and your energy will increase. You will be able to feed on the blood of other living beings to recover your health and restore your energy until you are fully transformed.
There are several ways to encounter vampires, including:
- Visiting the Castle Volkihar, the seat of the Volkihar clan.
- Traveling to the Forgotten Vale, a secluded area inhabited by vampires.
- Randomly encountering vampires in the wilderness during the night.
Once you have been infected, you will have 24 hours to feed on someone’s blood. If you fail to feed within this time frame, you will become a vampire lord, a more powerful but uncontrollable version of a vampire. You can avoid turning into a vampire lord by drinking the “Bloodstone Chalice” found in the Castle Volkihar.
Becoming a vampire grants you several advantages and disadvantages (See Table below):
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Night Vision | Weakness to Sunlight |
| Increased Sneak and Illusion skills | Weakness to Fire |
| Regeneration of Health and Energy from feeding | Addiction to Blood |
Seeking Guidance from Serana
To embark on your vampiric journey, you must seek the guidance of Serana, a powerful vampire who holds the key to unlocking this path. She can be found at Castle Volkihar, located on the eastern coast of Skyrim. Once inside the castle, follow the path until you encounter Serana in her chambers. Engage her in conversation to express your interest in becoming a vampire.
Serana will initially hesitate, but if you persist, she will reluctantly agree to assist you. She will reveal that the process of becoming a vampire requires a blood sacrifice. You will need to feed on a living being, draining their blood, in order to complete the transformation.
Serana will provide you with a quest marker that guides you to a secluded inn, where you can find a suitable victim. Once you have fed, return to Castle Volkihar and speak to Serana again. She will witness your newfound vampiric abilities and grant you access to the Vampire Lord form, allowing you to embrace the mantle of a true vampire.
### The Blood Sacrifice
The blood sacrifice is a crucial part of the vampire transformation process. To successfully complete the ritual, you must ensure that you:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate a living being and engage in a conversation. |
| 2 | Equip your Fangs ability, which can be found under the Powers menu. |
| 3 | Activate the Fangs ability and select the target you wish to feed on. |
| 4 | Drain the target’s blood until they are completely drained. Avoid draining too much blood, as it can result in an instant kill and prevent the transformation from occurring. |
Once the victim has been drained, you will gain access to the Vampire Lord form and complete your transformation into a creature of the night.
Discovering the Vampire Lord’s Abilities
Once you become a Vampire Lord, you will gain access to a range of powerful abilities. These abilities include:
Blood Magick
Blood Magick allows you to cast spells that deal damage, heal you, and summon creatures. You can also use Blood Magick to create a protective barrier around yourself.
Mist Form
Mist Form allows you to transform into a cloud of mist, which makes you invulnerable to most attacks. You can use Mist Form to escape dangerous situations or to move quickly through narrow spaces.
Vampire’s Sight
Vampire’s Sight allows you to see through walls and detect hidden enemies. This ability is very useful for exploring dungeons and caves.
Nightwalker
Nightwalker increases your movement speed and reduces the damage you take from sunlight. This ability makes it easier to travel at night, which is when vampires are at their strongest.
Summon Gargoyle
Summon Gargoyle allows you to summon a powerful gargoyle to fight by your side. Gargoyles are immune to most attacks, and they can deal heavy damage to your enemies.
| Ability | Description |
|---|---|
| Blood Magick | Cast spells that deal damage, heal you, and summon creatures. |
| Mist Form | Transform into a cloud of mist, making you invulnerable to most attacks. |
| Vampire’s Sight | See through walls and detect hidden enemies. |
| Nightwalker | Increase your movement speed and reduce the damage you take from sunlight. |
| Summon Gargoyle | Summon a powerful gargoyle to fight by your side. |
Navigating the Vampire Court
Upon arriving at Castle Volkihar, you will be greeted by the vampires’ seneschal, Garan Marethi. He will inform you of the vampires’ customs and the dangers that lurk within the castle.
To join the vampires, you must first prove your worth. This can be done by completing a series of quests for the vampires, such as eliminating their enemies or retrieving ancient artifacts.
Once you have proven yourself, you will be granted an audience with the vampires’ master, Lord Harkon. He will offer you the opportunity to become a vampire yourself. If you accept, you will be granted the gift of vampirism and become a member of the Vampire Court.
The Vampire Court
The Vampire Court is a group of powerful vampires who rule over the Volkihar Clan. They are led by Lord Harkon, who is the oldest and most powerful vampire in Skyrim.
The Vampire Court is a secretive organization, and its members are rarely seen outside of Castle Volkihar. They are feared by mortals and other supernatural beings alike.
If you join the Vampire Court, you will be expected to follow the vampires’ laws and traditions. You will also be expected to participate in the vampires’ rituals and activities.
The Vampire Clans
The Volkihar Clan is one of several vampire clans that exist in Skyrim. Each clan has its own unique history, traditions, and territory.
The following table lists the different vampire clans in Skyrim:
| Clan | Leader | Territory |
|---|---|---|
| Volkihar Clan | Lord Harkon | Castle Volkihar |
| Dawnguard | Isran | Fort Dawnguard |
| Clan Volkihar | Lord Harkon | Castle Volkihar |
| Clan Bloodmoon | Molag Bal | Coldharbour |
| Clan Ferelden | Meredith | Kirkwall |
How To Join The Vampires In Skyrim
Progressing through the Vampire Ranks
There are four stages of vampirism in Skyrim: “Vampirism,” “Vampirism II,” “Vampirism III,” and “Vampirism IV.” Each stage has its own unique set of abilities and weaknesses. To progress through the vampire ranks, you must feed on human blood.
The first time you feed on human blood, you will become a Stage 1 vampire. You will gain the following abilities:
- Night Eye: Allows you to see better in the dark.
- Vampire’s Embrace: Drains the health of an enemy and restores your own.
- Vampiric Drain: Drains the magicka of an enemy and restores your own.
As you feed on more human blood, you will progress through the vampire ranks. At Stage 2, you will gain the following additional abilities:
- Embrace of Shadows: Increases your sneak skill.
- Vampiric Seduction: Calms an enemy, making them more susceptible to your attacks.
- Vampire’s Sight: Allows you to see hidden objects and enemies.
At Stage 3, you will gain the following additional abilities:
- Blood Frenzy: Increases your attack damage for a short period of time.
- Vampiric Grip: Paralyzes an enemy, making them vulnerable to your attacks.
- Vampire Lord: Allows you to transform into a powerful vampire lord.
At Stage 4, you will gain the following additional abilities:
- Dead Thrall: Allows you to raise a dead body as a powerful undead follower.
- Vampiric Drain: Drains the health and magicka of an enemy, restoring your own.
- Vampire’s Sight: Allows you to see hidden objects and enemies.
Feeding on human blood will also increase your vampire weaknesses. At Stage 1, you will be weak to fire and sunlight. At Stage 2, you will also be weak to silver. At Stage 3, you will also be weak to holy magic. At Stage 4, you will also be weak to running water.
| Stage | Abilities | Weaknesses |
|—|—|—|
| 1 | Night Eye, Vampire’s Embrace, Vampiric Drain | Fire, Sunlight |
| 2 | Embrace of Shadows, Vampiric Seduction, Vampire’s Sight | Fire, Sunlight, Silver |
| 3 | Blood Frenzy, Vampiric Grip, Vampire Lord | Fire, Sunlight, Silver, Holy Magic |
| 4 | Dead Thrall, Vampiric Drain, Vampire’s Sight | Fire, Sunlight, Silver, Holy Magic, Running Water |
Mastering Vampire Lord Powers
Harnessing the full potential of Vampire Lord abilities requires dedicated practice and strategic combat. Here’s a comprehensive guide to mastering your vampiric prowess:
1. Blood Magic Empowerment
Feeding on enemies grants you Blood Points, which you can expend to activate powerful spells such as Blood of the Damned and Blood for Blood.
2. Shadow Strike
Quickly close distances and strike unsuspecting foes with Shadow Strike, a stealthy and deadly attack.
3. Drain Life
Sustain yourself by draining life energy from enemies, restoring your health and enhancing your powers.
4. Summon Gargoyle
Command a loyal Gargoyle to fight alongside you, providing distraction and additional firepower.
5. Night Cloak
Become invisible for a short duration, allowing you to ambush enemies or escape detection.
6. Vampire’s Seduction
Charm humanoids, making them your allies or turning them against their comrades.
7. Blood Rage
Enter a Blood Rage, increasing your damage output and reducing your susceptibility to damage.
8. Vampire’s Lord Powers Upgrade Tree
The Vampire Lord Powers Upgrade Tree offers a wide range of perks to enhance your abilities:
| Perk Name | Effect |
|---|---|
| Blood Storm | Summons a deadly vortex of blood that damages enemies. |
| Vampiric Grip | Drains an enemy’s health from a distance. |
| Unrelenting Force | Knocks back nearby enemies with a powerful blast. |
| Drain Aura | Damages all nearby enemies while regenerating your health. |
| Blood Mist | Creates a mist that damages enemies and reduces their visibility. |
Avoiding the Sun’s Pernicious Effects
Becoming a vampire in Skyrim comes with a significant drawback: the sun’s deadly rays.
Exposure to sunlight inflicts severe damage, making venturing outdoors during the day extremely perilous. To mitigate this weakness and safely navigate the sunlit world, vampires must employ various strategies.
Hoods and Clothing
Covering the skin with thick clothing or hoods can provide some protection from the sun. Heavier garments offer increased shielding.
Shields
Shields not only defend against attacks but also deflect sunlight. Larger shields provide better coverage.
Enchantments
Enchanting armor and clothing with sun resistance buffs can significantly reduce sunlight damage.
Potions
Consuming Sunbane potions temporarily protects vampires from sunlight. These potions can be crafted or purchased from alchemists.
Darkness Spells
Vampires can cast Night Cloak and Vampiric Drain to create darkness around them, shielding from the sun.
Fast Travel
During daylight hours, vampires can fast travel to avoid direct sun exposure. However, entering cities or other populated areas may still trigger sunlight damage.
Artificial Light
Hanging lanterns or using other light sources can create temporary pockets of darkness, allowing vampires to move about safely.
Vampire Lord Form
Transforming into a Vampire Lord grants increased sun resistance, making it easier to withstand sunlight for brief periods.
Vampire Weakness to Sun: Mitigation Strategies
| Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Hoods and Clothing | Cover skin with thick garments or hoods for protection. |
| Shields | Deflect sunlight with larger shields. |
| Enchantments | Apply sun resistance buffs to armor and clothing. |
| Potions | Consume Sunbane potions for temporary protection. |
| Darkness Spells | Create darkness with Night Cloak and Vampiric Drain. |
| Fast Travel | Avoid direct sun exposure by fast traveling during daylight. |
| Artificial Light | Create pockets of darkness with lanterns or light sources. |
| Vampire Lord Form | Transform to gain increased sun resistance. |
Consequences of Vampire Transformation
Joining the vampires in Skyrim comes with a number of consequences, both positive and negative.
Positive Consequences
- Increased strength and speed: Vampires possess enhanced physical capabilities, making them more formidable in combat.
- Night vision: Vampires can see clearly in the dark, giving them an advantage in nocturnal settings.
- Resistance to frost: Vampires are immune to frost damage, allowing them to withstand cold attacks.
- Special abilities: Vampires gain access to unique abilities, such as draining health from enemies and summoning gargoyles.
- Perks: By completing vampire-related quests, players can unlock perks that further enhance their vampire powers.
Negative Consequences
- Sunlight weakness: Vampires are vulnerable to sunlight, taking significant damage when exposed.
- Blood lust: Vampires have an insatiable thirst for blood, which can lead to NPC aggression if not managed.
- Reputation penalty: Becoming a vampire can negatively impact your reputation with non-vampire NPCs.
- Disease vulnerability: Vampires are more susceptible to certain diseases, such as Porphyric Hemophilia.
- Limited NPC interactions: Some quests and NPCs may become unavailable or hostile due to your vampire status.
| Stage | Effects |
|---|---|
| 1 |
Initial transformation, slight physical enhancements, no sunlight vulnerability |
| 2 |
Increased enhancements, sunlight vulnerability begins, bloodlust intensifies |
| 3 |
Significant enhancements, severe sunlight vulnerability, high bloodlust, NPC hostility |
| 4 |
Maximum enhancements, extreme sunlight vulnerability, uncontrollable bloodlust |
It is important to note that the consequences of vampire transformation can vary depending on the player’s choices and the stage of their vampirism.
How To Join The Vampires In Skyrim
Becoming a vampire in Skyrim is a unique and rewarding experience, granting players access to powerful abilities and a whole new way to experience the game. However, joining the vampires is not a decision to be taken lightly, as it comes with its own set of challenges.
There are two main ways to become a vampire in Skyrim: by being infected by a vampire or by completing the quest “Kindred Judgment.” If you choose to be infected, you will need to find a vampire and allow them to feed on you. Once you have been infected, you will begin to experience the early stages of vampirism. These stages include increased sensitivity to sunlight, decreased health regeneration, and the ability to feed on sleeping NPCs.
If you choose to complete the quest “Kindred Judgment,” you will need to travel to the Volkihar Castle, which is located in the far northern reaches of Skyrim. Once you have arrived at the castle, you will need to speak to Lord Harkon, the leader of the vampires. Lord Harkon will offer you the chance to become a vampire, but only if you are willing to pledge your allegiance to him. If you accept his offer, you will be granted the full powers of a vampire, including the ability to turn into a vampire lord.
Becoming a vampire in Skyrim can be a rewarding experience, but it is important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Vampires have many advantages, such as increased strength, speed, and agility. They also have the ability to turn into bats and travel quickly across the land. However, vampires also have a number of weaknesses, such as their sensitivity to sunlight and their need to feed on blood. If you are not prepared to deal with these challenges, then becoming a vampire may not be the right choice for you.
People Also Ask About How To Join The Vampires In Skyrim
How do I find the Volkihar Castle?
The Volkihar Castle is located in the far northern reaches of Skyrim, just past the border with Solstheim. To get there, you can either follow the road north from Dawnstar or take a boat from Windhelm.
What are the pros and cons of being a vampire?
**Pros:**
- Increased strength, speed, and agility
- The ability to turn into a vampire lord
- The ability to travel quickly across the land in bat form
Cons:
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Decreased health regeneration
- The need to feed on blood
