Dawnguard (Quest)

It serves as the introductory quest for the add-on. It involves being recruited into an order of vampire hunters, known as the Dawnguard.

Background
''I've learned of a group of vampire hunters known as the Dawnguard. It seems they are looking for new recruits.''

Recruitment
The quest is given by either a Hold guard in conversation or an Orc named Durak after the Dragonborn enters a main city at level 10 or after. He'll ask the Dragonborn about joining the Dawnguard, an order of vampire hunters based in Fort Dawnguard.

Dayspring Canyon
The location of Fort Dawnguard can only be accessed via Dayspring Canyon northwest of Stendarr's Beacon.

The initial path leads straight to a glacial waterfall overlooking a lake. Near the lake is Agmaer, a young Nord recruit. He asks if he can accompany the Dragonborn to the fort and remarks on his nervous disposition and his high hopes of joining the Dawnguard.

Fort Dawnguard
Upon reaching the fort, the Dragonborn encounters Durak outside practicing with his crossbow. When asked about the weapon he will give the Dragonborn a standard crossbow and some steel bolts to try out. Continuing into the fort, the Dragonborn will walk in on a heated discussion between Isran and Vigilant Tolan.

It is revealed that the Hall of the Vigilant was attacked by vampires and everyone, including Keeper Carcette, was killed. Isran is reluctant to help due to the friction between himself and the vigilants. Tolan updates the Dragonborn on the situation and mentions the vampires are looking for something in Dimhollow Crypt. He informs the Dragonborn he will meet him there to further investigate.

After the conversation has ended, the quest will be completed and the next quest, Awakening, will begin.

Trivia

 * Several of the Dawnguard members are non-essential. Players who endeavour to join the Volkihar Clan can use this to their advantage by quietly disposing of both Durak and Agmaer early on.

Bugs

 * The vampires disguised as Vigilants in front of Dayspring Canyon might not appear.
 * New models are not properly loaded (vampire armor, dawnguard armor and Death Hound are invisble or appear unequipped). (FIGS versions only, fixed with a new 31MB patch (1.6.1?))
 * When you enter Fort Dawnguard, the floor may not be fully loaded and there will be a small gap between you and Isran along withthe water in a cylinder under what would be the floor. Re-entering the area should fix this.
 * The quest Awakening may not start if you didn't speak directly with Durak when he was searching for vampire hunters.