What Happens if You Deny Becoming a Vampire in Skyrim?
Skyrim is an iconic role-playing game developed by Bethesda Softworks, known for its vast open world and endless possibilities. One of the most thrilling aspects of the game is the Vampire Lord storyline, introduced in the Dawnguard DLC. This quest takes players on a journey through the darkness of immortality, forcing them to confront the harsh realities of a vampire’s life. So, what happens if you deny becoming a vampire in Skyrim? In this article, we’ll explore the consequences of turning down Harkon’s offer and dive into the possibilities of your character’s fate.
Refusing the Offer
When playing the Vampire Lord storyline, players are offered the chance to become immortal by drinking Harkon’s blood. However, this choice is not straightforward, as the player’s character must grapple with the moral implications of transforming into a creature of the night. Refusing Harkon’s offer doesn’t result in any immediate penalties, but it sets a chain reaction that will eventually lead to dire consequences. Once you deny becoming a vampire, you are banished from Castle Volkihar, the main stronghold of the Vampire Lords. You’ll find yourself at odds with Harkon, who is determined to use you to further his goals.
Consequences of Denying the Offer
Refusing the vampire offer comes with significant repercussions. Some of the consequences include:
- Exile from Castle Volkihar: You’ll no longer be allowed to enter the castle or interact with the vampire kin.
- Harkon’s Disdain: The vampire lord will perceive you as an enemy and seek to destroy you. He will continue to attempt to manipulate and deceive you throughout the quest.
- Limitations on Allies: Many vampires will reject your requests for aid or refuse to form alliances, fearing you are an outcast.
- Quest Failure: The vampire storyline’s main quests become unavailable to you, making it challenging to progress further in the game.
- Additional Enemies: More vampires, including Harkon, will now hunt you throughout the world, increasing your difficulty.
Other Ways to Fail
Denying the vampire offer is just one of several ways to fail in the Vampire Lord storyline. Some other routes to failure include:
- Rejecting Serana’s Proposals: Throughout the game, Serana, the ghostly mage, offers you various marriage proposals. If you deny these requests, the consequences will follow, just as they do when rejecting the vampire offer.
- Killing Key NPCs: The failure of specific key NPCs in the Vampire Lord storyline, such as Dawnguard’s main protagonist, also leads to adverse consequences for your character.
- Not Satisfying Prophecies: Some vampire-related quests may not receive the proper conclusion if specific requirements aren’t met or if critical moments are mismanaged. In such cases, your progress may stagnate, leading to in-game repercussions.
Retaking Control of Your Destiny
Refusing the vampire offer presents a chance for your character to regain agency and set their own course. Consider using this setback as an opportunity to develop your skills and forge alternative alliances, even among the Dawnguard or the Companions. Alternatively, explore the vast expanse of the Skyrim world, pursuing quests and forging your own destiny. There are no rigidly prescribed paths; it’s entirely up to your character how they react to this denial.
In Conclusion
Denying the vampire offer in Skyrim leads to several consequences that may affect the rest of your playthrough. Keep in mind that refusing this chance to join the undead isn’t without its own advantages and pitfalls. While some benefits will be lost, the true power lies in the control you still retain over your character’s story and path. Your choice has led you to this juncture – will you explore new directions or re-enter the realm of immortality?