Should I Accept Lord Harkon's Gift

Okay, picture this: You're knee-deep in draugr, your health potion supply is dwindling faster than your patience, and then BAM! A vampire lord, looking like he just stepped out of a gothic romance novel (or maybe a particularly intense bloodbath), offers you ultimate power. Sounds tempting, right? Especially when those draugr are starting to get a little... clingy.

We've all been there in Skyrim, haven't we? Standing in that creepy cathedral, Lord Harkon's smooth voice promising us the moon, the stars, and an eternal supply of, uh, blood. The decision whether to accept his gift, to become a Vampire Lord, is a big one. It's not like choosing between a sweet roll and an apple pie. (Although, let's be honest, the sweet roll usually wins.) So, let's unpack this whole "Harkon's gift" situation, shall we? I mean, before you accidentally sell your soul, or, you know, something equally inconvenient.

The Allure of the Vampire Lord: What's the Deal?

Let's face it, vampires are cool. Or, rather, they're undead and therefore eternally cool in a metaphorical sense. (Or maybe literally cold, depending on the weather in Skyrim.) Harkon isn't offering you just any old vampire powers. He's offering you the full Vampire Lord experience. What does that actually mean, though?

Power, Glorious Power!

The biggest draw, obviously, is the power. We're talking:

• Increased Strength and Speed: Basically, you become a whirlwind of destruction, able to tear through enemies like they're made of… well, whatever draugr are made of. Ancient Nord dust, maybe?
• Vampire Lord Form: This is the real game-changer. You transform into a winged monstrosity, able to drain life, summon gargoyles, and generally wreak havoc from the skies. Think Batman, but with more fangs and less brooding (okay, maybe just slightly less brooding).
• Unique Skill Tree: The Vampire Lord skill tree is a beast. Bat Swarms, Drain Life, Unearthly Will – all designed to make you the ultimate apex predator. Forget sneaking around; you'll be owning the night.
• Resistances: Hello, resistance to disease and poison! Say goodbye to those annoying random illnesses that plague Skyrim. You'll be too busy feasting on mortals to worry about a little tummy ache.

It sounds amazing, doesn't it? But wait, there's more! (Just kidding, there's actually less. Because there are downsides.)

The Price of Immortality: Not All Sunshine and Bloodsucking

As with most things in life (and especially in Skyrim), there's a catch. Or, in this case, several catches. Being a Vampire Lord isn't all sunshine and draining innocent villagers. (Although, let's be real, sometimes those villagers are asking for it.)

Sunlight Sensitivity: The Pale Face Problem

This is the big one. Sunlight is your enemy. Big time. You'll be weaker, your health and stamina will regenerate slower, and those sunny days will suddenly become your worst nightmare. Imagine trying to complete a quest in broad daylight while feeling like you're slowly melting. Not fun. (Unless you're into that sort of thing, I guess. No judgment.)

Pro-Tip: Invest in some good cloaks and learn the "Vampiric Cloak" spell. Anything to keep the sun off your pale, undead face.

Feeding: The Blood Bank Blues

You need to feed. Regularly. Otherwise, you'll progress through stages of vampirism, becoming more powerful but also more… obvious. The more obvious you are, the more likely people are to run screaming at the sight of you. And let's face it, trying to haggle with a shopkeeper while looking like you haven't slept in a century and are about to bite their neck isn't the best way to get a good deal.

Side note: Stealth is your friend here. Sneak into people's houses at night and feed on them while they sleep. It's… efficient. And slightly creepy. But hey, needs must!

The Dawnguard: Your New Best (Worst) Friends

Accepting Harkon's gift puts you firmly on the vampire side of the Dawnguard questline. That means the Dawnguard, those valiant vampire hunters, will become your sworn enemies. Prepare for ambushes, endless battles, and generally being treated like the scum of the earth. (Which, let's be honest, you kind of are.)

So, Should You Embrace the Darkness? Pros and Cons

Okay, let's break it down. Pros and cons list time! Because everyone loves a good pros and cons list, right? (Or is that just me?)

Pros:

• Unmatched Power: Seriously, the Vampire Lord form is ridiculously powerful. You'll be dominating battles like never before.
• Cool Factor: Let's be honest, being a vampire is cool. The aesthetic, the lore, the sheer edginess of it all.
• Unique Gameplay: The Vampire Lord skill tree and abilities offer a completely different way to play Skyrim.
• Story Implications: Joining Harkon unlocks a whole new branch of the Dawnguard questline, with unique characters and storylines.

Cons:

• Sunlight Sensitivity: This is a huge drawback, especially if you enjoy exploring during the day.
• Feeding Requirements: Constantly needing to feed can be a hassle, especially if you're trying to maintain a good reputation.
• Dawnguard Hostility: Being hunted by vampire hunters can be a pain, especially if you're trying to complete other quests.
• Moral Implications: You're essentially becoming a creature of the night, feeding on innocent people. If you're playing a "good" character, this might not sit well with you.

Alternative Options: You Don't Have to Become a Vampire Lord!

Here's the thing: you don't have to accept Harkon's gift. You have a choice! And that choice is to join the Dawnguard. What does that mean?

Joining the Dawnguard: Vampire Hunters Unite!

If you refuse Harkon's offer, you'll be able to join the Dawnguard, a group of vampire hunters dedicated to eradicating the undead menace. This path offers its own set of perks:

• Access to Powerful Weapons and Armor: The Dawnguard has some seriously cool gear, including crossbows, armored trolls (yes, armored trolls!), and a variety of vampire-slaying weapons.
• Unique Quests and Storylines: The Dawnguard questline is just as engaging as the vampire side, with its own unique characters and challenges.
• The Satisfaction of Doing Good: You'll be fighting to protect the innocent from the horrors of vampirism. (Plus, you won't have to worry about sunlight sensitivity or feeding.)

So, if you're playing a good character or simply don't want the drawbacks of being a vampire, joining the Dawnguard is a perfectly viable option.

The Final Verdict: What Should You Do?

Ultimately, the decision of whether to accept Harkon's gift is a personal one. There's no right or wrong answer. It all depends on your playstyle, your character's alignment, and what you want to get out of the game.

If you're looking for raw power, a unique gameplay experience, and don't mind the drawbacks, then becoming a Vampire Lord might be the right choice for you. Just be prepared to embrace the darkness (literally) and spend a lot of time indoors.

If you prefer playing a good character, enjoy exploring during the day, and don't want to deal with the hassle of feeding, then joining the Dawnguard is probably the better option. You'll still get to fight vampires, but without all the pesky undead side effects.

My personal advice? Try both! Create a new character and play through the Dawnguard questline as a vampire. Then, create another character and play through it as a vampire hunter. That way, you can experience both sides of the story and decide which one you prefer. And hey, who knows? Maybe you'll even discover a new favorite playstyle along the way.

Whatever you choose, remember to have fun and explore all that Skyrim has to offer. And try not to get eaten by too many draugr. (Although, let's be real, it's going to happen at least once.)

Good luck, adventurer! And may your journey be filled with loot, adventure, and minimal vampire-related inconveniences.