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Changes: The Elder Scrolls V: Dawnguard

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Introduced in ''Dawnguard'' are two unique [[Skills (Skyrim)|skill trees]], one for [[Vampirism (Skyrim)|vampirism]] noted as "[[Vampire Lord]]" and one for [[Lycanthropy (Skyrim)|lycanthropy]].
  
Introduced in ''Dawnguard'' are two unique [[Skills (Skyrim)|skill trees]], one for [[Vampirism (Skyrim)|vampirism]] noted as "[[Vampire Lord]]" and one for [[Lycanthropy (Skyrim)|lycanthropy]].
   
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Twenty-two [[Quests (Dawnguard)|quests]] featured in the plug-in; twelve exist in the main quest, with several optional side quests. A few [[Radiant Quests|repeatable, radiant quests]] can also be completed. The questline forks at "[[A New Order]]", where allegiance between the Volkihar Clan and the Dawnguard must be selected. Choice of side is irreversible.
 +
Twenty-two [[Quests (Dawnguard)|quests]] featured in the plug-in; twelve exist in the main quest, with several optional side quests. A few [[Radiant Quests|repeatable, radiant quests]] can also be completed. The questline forks at "[[Bloodline]]," where allegiance between the Volkihar Clan and the Dawnguard must be selected. Choice of side is irreversible.
   
 
==Portal==
  
==Portal==
 
{{GamePortalList
  
{{GamePortalList
  +
|name = Factions
−
|description = The two main factions central to the add-on are the [[Dawnguard (Faction)|Dawnguard]], an order of vampire hunters dedicated to eradicating Vampires, and the [[Volkihar Clan (Dawnguard)|Volkihar Clan]] a shadowy group of Vampires who seek to blot out the sun.}} {{GamePortalList
 +
|description = The two main factions central to the add-on are the [[Dawnguard (Faction)|Dawnguard]], an order of vampire hunters dedicated to eradicating vampires, and the [[Volkihar Clan (Dawnguard)|Volkihar Clan]], a shadowy group of vampires who seek to blot out the sun.}} {{GamePortalList
 
|name = [[Quests (Dawnguard)|Quests]]
  
|name = [[Quests (Dawnguard)|Quests]]
−
|description = The main questline consists of 12 quests that take place across Skyrim and beyond. 9 side quests for each faction are available along with 4 additional side quests that are unrelated to the storyline.}} {{GamePortalList
 +
|description = The main questline consists of 12 quests that take place across Skyrim and beyond. 9 side quests for each faction are available, along with 4 additional side quests that are unrelated to the storyline.}} {{GamePortalList
 
|name = [[Characters (Dawnguard)|Characters]]
  
|name = [[Characters (Dawnguard)|Characters]]
 
|description = Over 80 new characters are introduced in the add-on, most of whom are members of the newly added factions.}} {{GamePortalList
  
|description = Over 80 new characters are introduced in the add-on, most of whom are members of the newly added factions.}} {{GamePortalList
 
|name = [[Locations (Dawnguard)|Locations]]
  
|name = [[Locations (Dawnguard)|Locations]]
−
|description = 23 new locations are included throughout Skyrim, including 2 large completely new areas: The [[Soul Cairn (Dawnguard)|Soul Cairn]] and [[Forgotten Vale]].}} {{GamePortalList
 +
|description = 23 new locations are included throughout Skyrim, including 2 large completely new areas: the [[Soul Cairn (Dawnguard)|Soul Cairn]] and [[Forgotten Vale]].}} {{GamePortalList
 
|name = [[Creatures (Dawnguard)|Creatures]]
  
|name = [[Creatures (Dawnguard)|Creatures]]
−
|description = Several creatures and variants of existing creatures are added, including the new maximum level [[Legendary Dragon]], [[Frost Giant (Dawnguard)|Frost Giant]] and [[Chaurus Hunter]].}} {{GamePortalList
 +
|description = Several creatures and variants of existing creatures are added, including the new maximum level [[Legendary Dragon]], [[Frost Giant (Dawnguard)|Frost Giant]] and [[Chaurus Hunter (Dawnguard)|Chaurus Hunter]].}} {{GamePortalList
 
|name = [[Magic (Dawnguard)|Magic]]
  
|name = [[Magic (Dawnguard)|Magic]]
−
|description = A plethora of Dragon shouts, blessings and spells are introduced along will full perk trees for [[Lycanthropy (Skyrim)#Perk tree|Lycanthropy]] and the [[Vampire Lord]].}} {{GamePortalList
 +
|description = A plethora of Dragon shouts, blessings and spells are introduced along with full perk trees for [[Lycanthropy (Skyrim)#Perk tree|Lycanthropy]] and the [[Vampire Lord]].}} {{GamePortalList
 
|name = [[Weapons (Dawnguard)|Weapons]]
  
|name = [[Weapons (Dawnguard)|Weapons]]
−
|description = 19 new weapons, including the long awaited [[Dragonbone Weapons]] set, along with a variety of [[Bolts (Dawnguard)|crossbow bolts]] and arrows.}} {{GamePortalList
 +
|description = 19 new weapons, including the long-awaited [[Dragonbone weapons]] set, along with a variety of [[Bolts (Dawnguard)|crossbow bolts]] and arrows.}} {{GamePortalList
 
|name = [[Armor (Dawnguard)|Armor]]
  
|name = [[Armor (Dawnguard)|Armor]]
 
|description = 5 new [[Armor (Dawnguard)#Armor Sets|armor sets]] are introduced into the add-on, not to mention several unique pieces in both [[Armor (Dawnguard)#Light Armor|light]] and [[Armor (Dawnguard)#Heavy Armor|heavy]] variants.}} {{GamePortalList
  
|description = 5 new [[Armor (Dawnguard)#Armor Sets|armor sets]] are introduced into the add-on, not to mention several unique pieces in both [[Armor (Dawnguard)#Light Armor|light]] and [[Armor (Dawnguard)#Heavy Armor|heavy]] variants.}} {{GamePortalList
 
|name = [[Items (Dawnguard)|Items]]
  
|name = [[Items (Dawnguard)|Items]]
−
|description = 5 new alchemy [[Ingredients (Dawnguard)|ingredients]], several [[Books (Dawnguard)|new books]] and pieces of jewelry along with some unique items.}}
 +
|description = 5 new alchemy [[Ingredients (Dawnguard)|ingredients]], several [[Books (Dawnguard)|new books]] and pieces of [[Jewelry (Skyrim)|jewelry]] along with some unique items.}}
   
 
==Storyline==
  
==Storyline==
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===Dawnguard===
  
===Dawnguard===
−
[[File:Dawnguard-fort.jpg|thumb|Fort Dawnguard.]]Joining Dawnguard grants the Dragonborn access to [[Fort Dawnguard]], a large keep said to be hidden somewhere in the southern region of Skyrim.<ref name="gamespotmatt">[http://e3.gamespot.com/video/6380961/skyrim-dawnguard-dlc-e3-2012-stage-demo?tag=Topslot;E3VideoHighlights;SkyrimDawnguardsVsV/ Gamespot.com - Dawnguard E3 2012 Stage Demo]</ref> The unique benefits of joining the Dawnguard include various new weapons and armor to fight vampires, including crossbows.<ref name="dawnguardtrailer"/><ref name="gameinformerjuly2012"/> Furthermore, Dawnguard members will also be able to "hire" [[Armored Troll]]s, which serve as temporary followers.<ref name="gamespotmatt2">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLyTqAQ02B8/ Gamespot Stage Shows - Bethesda Booth Tour with Matt]</ref>
 +
[[File:Dawnguard-fort.jpg|thumb|Fort Dawnguard.]]Joining the Dawnguard grants the Dragonborn access to [[Fort Dawnguard]], a large keep said to be hidden somewhere in the southern region of Skyrim.<ref name="gamespotmatt">[http://e3.gamespot.com/video/6380961/skyrim-dawnguard-dlc-e3-2012-stage-demo?tag=Topslot;E3VideoHighlights;SkyrimDawnguardsVsV/ Gamespot.com - Dawnguard E3 2012 Stage Demo]</ref> The unique benefits of joining the Dawnguard include various new weapons and armor to fight vampires, including crossbows.<ref name="dawnguardtrailer"/><ref name="gameinformerjuly2012"/> Furthermore, Dawnguard members will also be able to "hire" [[Armored Troll]]s, which serve as temporary followers.<ref name="gamespotmatt2">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLyTqAQ02B8/ Gamespot Stage Shows - Bethesda Booth Tour with Matt]</ref>
   
 
==Perks==
  
==Perks==
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[[File:Werewolfskilltreedawnguard.png]]
  
[[File:Werewolfskilltreedawnguard.png]]
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{|style="width:100%;" class="wikitable"
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{|style="width:100%;" class="wikitable"
 
!Perk
  
!Perk
 
!Level
  
!Level
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==Combat==
  
==Combat==
  +
[[File:Dawnguardcrossbow2.png|thumb|A crossbow, as it appears in ''Dawnguard''.]]
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[[File:Dawnguardcrossbow2.png|thumb|A crossbow, as it appears in ''Dawnguard''.]]''Dawnguard'' introduces several new additions to both ranged and melee combat. The first new addition is the inclusion of [[Dragonbone Weapons|Dragonbone weapons]], which are stronger than [[Daedric Weapons (Skyrim)|Daedric Weapons]].<ref name="toddgameplay">[http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/724645/elder-scrolls-5-skyrim-dawnguard-dlc-gameplay-demo-with-todd-howard-for-e3-2012/ G4TV.com - Dawnguard Gameplay demo with Todd Howard]</ref>
 +
''Dawnguard'' introduces several new additions to both ranged and melee combat. The first new addition is the inclusion of [[Dragonbone weapons]], which are stronger than [[Daedric Weapons (Skyrim)|Daedric Weapons]].<ref name="toddgameplay">[http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/724645/elder-scrolls-5-skyrim-dawnguard-dlc-gameplay-demo-with-todd-howard-for-e3-2012/ G4TV.com - Dawnguard Gameplay demo with Todd Howard]</ref>
   
 
[[Crossbows (Dawnguard)|Crossbows]] are added to the arsenal of weapons at the Dragonborn's disposal. Crossbows remain loaded while running through the world and provide a quicker shot. They are, however, slower to reload than bows. Another benefit is that each shot has a chance to stagger an opponent. All of the perks spent in [[Archery (Skyrim)|Archery]] skill tree apply to crossbows.<ref name="gameinformerjuly2012"/> Crossbow bolts can also be crafted with various enchantments, such as fire and frost damage.<ref name="g4tvextended"/>
  
[[Crossbows (Dawnguard)|Crossbows]] are added to the arsenal of weapons at the Dragonborn's disposal. Crossbows remain loaded while running through the world and provide a quicker shot. They are, however, slower to reload than bows. Another benefit is that each shot has a chance to stagger an opponent. All of the perks spent in [[Archery (Skyrim)|Archery]] skill tree apply to crossbows.<ref name="gameinformerjuly2012"/> Crossbow bolts can also be crafted with various enchantments, such as fire and frost damage.<ref name="g4tvextended"/>
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==Soul Cairn==
  
==Soul Cairn==
  +
[[File:Dawnguard-soulcairn.jpg|thumb|The undead realm of Soul Cairn.]]
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[[File:Dawnguard-soulcairn.jpg|thumb|The undead realm of Soul Cairn.]]A [[Oblivion (Realm)|plane of Oblivion]] known as [[Soul Cairn (Dawnguard)|Soul Cairn]], an ethereal realm of trapped souls, is a new location that can be visited in ''Dawnguard''. It can be accessed via a mysterious portal in [[Castle Volkihar]].<ref name="dawnguardtrailer"/><ref name="gameinformerjuly2012"/>
 +
A [[Oblivion (Realm)|plane of Oblivion]] known as [[Soul Cairn (Dawnguard)|Soul Cairn]], an ethereal realm of trapped souls, is a new location that can be visited in ''Dawnguard''. It can be accessed via a mysterious portal in [[Castle Volkihar]].<ref name="dawnguardtrailer"/><ref name="gameinformerjuly2012"/>
   
 
In addition, the Dragonborn can complete a side quest to free an undead skeletal horse named [[Arvak]]. This mount can then be summoned at will and is not restricted to the undead realm.<ref name="gamespotmatt">[http://e3.gamespot.com/video/6380961/skyrim-dawnguard-dlc-e3-2012-stage-demo?tag=Topslot;E3VideoHighlights;SkyrimDawnguardsVsV/ Gamespot.com - Dawnguard E3 2012 Stage Demo]</ref><ref name="g4tvextended"/>
  
In addition, the Dragonborn can complete a side quest to free an undead skeletal horse named [[Arvak]]. This mount can then be summoned at will and is not restricted to the undead realm.<ref name="gamespotmatt">[http://e3.gamespot.com/video/6380961/skyrim-dawnguard-dlc-e3-2012-stage-demo?tag=Topslot;E3VideoHighlights;SkyrimDawnguardsVsV/ Gamespot.com - Dawnguard E3 2012 Stage Demo]</ref><ref name="g4tvextended"/>
   
 
==Creatures==
  
==Creatures==
−
Legendary Dragons are the new maximum level Dragon class. In addition to legendary dragons, new enemies such as [[Gargoyle (Dawnguard)|Gargoyles]], [[Death Hound]]s, [[Armored Troll]]s can be also encountered.<ref name="dawnguardtrailer"/><ref name="gameinformerjuly2012"/> Within the Soul Cairn realm some of the enemies include [[Boneman (Dawnguard)|Bonemen]], [[Wrathman|Wrathmen]], [[Keeper]]s and an undead Dragon named [[Durnehviir]].<ref name="gametrail"/><ref name="g4tvextended"/>
 +
Legendary Dragons are the new maximum-level Dragon class. In addition to Legendary Dragons, new enemies such as [[Gargoyle (Dawnguard)|Gargoyles]], [[Death Hound (Dawnguard)|Death Hounds]], [[Armored Troll]]s can be also encountered.<ref name="dawnguardtrailer"/><ref name="gameinformerjuly2012"/> Within the Soul Cairn realm some of the enemies include [[Boneman (Dawnguard)|Bonemen]], [[Wrathman (Dawnguard)|Wrathmen]], [[Keeper]]s and an undead Dragon named [[Durnehviir]].<ref name="gametrail"/><ref name="g4tvextended"/>
   
 
==Character makeover==
  
==Character makeover==
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===Trailer===
  
===Trailer===
−
The trailer begins by showing a mysterious fortress on an island, known as Castle Volkihar. The leader of the Vampire faction, Harkon, narrates that the Dragonborn has found their fortress and returned his daughter, who is shown carrying an [[Elder Scroll (Sun)|Elder Scroll]] on her back. An altar that bears a resemblance to the [[Altar of Molag Bal]] in [[Markarth (Skyrim)|Markarth]] is shown, which seems pertinent as [[Molag Bal]] is considered to be the creator and patron deity of Vampires.<ref>''[[Opusculus Lamae Bal]]''</ref><ref>''[[Vampires of Vvardenfell, Book II]]''</ref> The trailer then depicts the transformation process in becoming a Vampire Lord and a new vampire feeding [[Kill Camera|cinematic]].
 +
The trailer begins by showing a mysterious fortress on an island, known as Castle Volkihar. The leader of the vampire faction, Harkon, narrates that the Dragonborn has found their fortress and returned his daughter, who is shown carrying an [[Elder Scroll (Sun)|Elder Scroll]] on her back. An altar that bears a resemblance to the [[Altar of Molag Bal]] in [[Markarth (Skyrim)|Markarth]] is shown, which seems pertinent as [[Molag Bal]] is considered to be the creator and patron deity of vampires.<ref>''[[Opusculus Lamae Bal]]''</ref><ref>''[[Vampires of Vvardenfell, Book II]]''</ref> The trailer then depicts the transformation process in becoming a Vampire Lord and a new vampire feeding [[Kill Camera|cinematic]].
   
 
Fort Dawnguard is shown and the inclusion of crossbows is confirmed. The trailer then shows the Dragonborn fighting a variety of creatures, including a gargoyle-like creature, an ogre-like giant and a vampire who bursts into a cloud of bats. Also included in the trailer is an example of mounted combat, an undead skeletal horse and a Dragon that dives into a frozen lake. The Dragonborn is also shown opening an Elder Scroll, then a map of Skyrim comes into view with they symbols for [[Markarth (Skyrim)|Markarth]] and [[Solitude (Skyrim)|Solitude]] labeled in red.
  
Fort Dawnguard is shown and the inclusion of crossbows is confirmed. The trailer then shows the Dragonborn fighting a variety of creatures, including a gargoyle-like creature, an ogre-like giant and a vampire who bursts into a cloud of bats. Also included in the trailer is an example of mounted combat, an undead skeletal horse and a Dragon that dives into a frozen lake. The Dragonborn is also shown opening an Elder Scroll, then a map of Skyrim comes into view with they symbols for [[Markarth (Skyrim)|Markarth]] and [[Solitude (Skyrim)|Solitude]] labeled in red.
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''Dawnguard'' became available for download on [[Steam]] on 2 August 2012 in English, Spanish, German, and French.
  
''Dawnguard'' became available for download on [[Steam]] on 2 August 2012 in English, Spanish, German, and French.
   
−
The [[PlayStation3|PlayStation 3]] version was delayed according to a Bethesda Softworks spokesperson who said, ''"We are not satisfied yet with Dawnguard's performance on the PS3,"'' in an interview.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/skyrims-dawnguard-dlc-arrives-on-pc-today/|title=Skyrim's 'Dawnguard' DLC arrives on PC today, Bethesda 'not yet satisfied' with PS3 version|last=Fletcher|first=JC|date=2 August 2012|publisher=AOL Inc.|work=Joystiq}}</ref>
 +
The [[PlayStation 3]] version was delayed according to a Bethesda Softworks spokesperson who said, ''"We are not satisfied yet with Dawnguard's performance on the PS3,"'' in an interview.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/skyrims-dawnguard-dlc-arrives-on-pc-today/|title=Skyrim's 'Dawnguard' DLC arrives on PC today, Bethesda 'not yet satisfied' with PS3 version|last=Fletcher|first=JC|date=2 August 2012|publisher=AOL Inc.|work=Joystiq}}</ref>
   
 
It was released on PS3 in North America on February 26th 2013.<ref>[http://www.bethblog.com/2013/02/01/psn-release-dates-for-dragoborndawnguardhearthfire/ Bethblog.com - PSN release dates for Dragonborn/Dawnguard/Hearthfire]</ref>
  
It was released on PS3 in North America on February 26th 2013.<ref>[http://www.bethblog.com/2013/02/01/psn-release-dates-for-dragoborndawnguardhearthfire/ Bethblog.com - PSN release dates for Dragonborn/Dawnguard/Hearthfire]</ref>
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Dawnguard-boxart.jpg|Official [[Xbox 360]] box art.
  
Dawnguard-boxart.jpg|Official [[Xbox 360]] box art.
 
Dawnguard-vampire-drain.jpg|Vampiric Grip.
  
Dawnguard-vampire-drain.jpg|Vampiric Grip.
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Dawnguard-warrior.jpg|A Dawnguard Warrior.
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Dawnguard-warrior.jpg|A Dawnguard warrior.
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Dawnguard-mounted-axeman.jpg|Mounted Combat.
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Dawnguard-mounted-axeman.jpg|Mounted combat.
 
Dawnguard-castle.jpg|Castle Volkihar.
  
Dawnguard-castle.jpg|Castle Volkihar.
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Dawnguardvampiremaster.png|[[Harkon|Lord Harkon]], leader of the [[Volkihar Clan (Dawnguard)|Volkihar Vampire]] faction.
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Dawnguardvampiremaster.png|[[Lord Harkon]], leader of the [[Volkihar Clan (Dawnguard)|Volkihar Vampire]] faction.
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Dawnguardvampirealtar.png|A Vampire altar.
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Dawnguardvampirealtar.png|A vampire altar.
 
Dawnguardportal.png|A portal to [[Soul Cairn (Dawnguard)|Soul Cairn]].
  
Dawnguardportal.png|A portal to [[Soul Cairn (Dawnguard)|Soul Cairn]].
 
Dawnguardcrossbow2.png|A [[Crossbows (Dawnguard)|crossbow]] in first-person.
  
Dawnguardcrossbow2.png|A [[Crossbows (Dawnguard)|crossbow]] in first-person.
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[[Category:Skyrim: Official plug-ins]]
  
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Revision as of 00:14, 22 March 2020

For other uses, see Dawnguard.

The Elder Scrolls V: Dawnguard is the first official add-on for the fifth installment in The Elder Scrolls series, Skyrim.

Released first for the Xbox 360 on 26 June 2012, and later on 2 August for PC, Dawnguard revolves around an ancient prophecy predicted by an Elder Scroll. Foretelling the eternal obfuscation of the sun, the scroll gave instructions on how to perform a magic ritual with a mythic bow and a special blood sacrifice. A legion of vampires known as the Volkihar Clan, lead by Lord Harkon, seek to actuate the prophecy by performing the ritual; the Dawnguard, a faction of crossbow-wielding vampire hunters counters their aims. Skyrim's Dragonborn protagonist chooses whether to join the Dawnguard and prevent Nirn from being plunged in irrevocable night, or assist the vampire coven with realizing their malevolent ambition.

Introduced in Dawnguard are two unique skill trees, one for vampirism noted as "Vampire Lord" and one for lycanthropy.

Twenty-two quests featured in the plug-in; twelve exist in the main quest, with several optional side quests. A few repeatable, radiant quests can also be completed. The questline forks at "Bloodline," where allegiance between the Volkihar Clan and the Dawnguard must be selected. Choice of side is irreversible.

Portal

Factions
The two main factions central to the add-on are the Dawnguard, an order of vampire hunters dedicated to eradicating vampires, and the Volkihar Clan, a shadowy group of vampires who seek to blot out the sun.
Quests
The main questline consists of 12 quests that take place across Skyrim and beyond. 9 side quests for each faction are available, along with 4 additional side quests that are unrelated to the storyline.
Characters
Over 80 new characters are introduced in the add-on, most of whom are members of the newly added factions.
Locations
23 new locations are included throughout Skyrim, including 2 large completely new areas: the Soul Cairn and Forgotten Vale.
Creatures
Several creatures and variants of existing creatures are added, including the new maximum level Legendary Dragon, Frost Giant and Chaurus Hunter.
Magic
A plethora of Dragon shouts, blessings and spells are introduced along with full perk trees for Lycanthropy and the Vampire Lord.
Weapons
19 new weapons, including the long-awaited Dragonbone weapons set, along with a variety of crossbow bolts and arrows.
Armor
5 new armor sets are introduced into the add-on, not to mention several unique pieces in both light and heavy variants.
Items
5 new alchemy ingredients, several new books and pieces of jewelry along with some unique items.

Storyline

The story of The Elder Scrolls V: Dawnguard involves the return of a Volkihar vampire lord named Harkon, who seeks to end the tyranny of the sun. Harkon intends to use the power in the ancient Elder Scrolls to accomplish his goal, while an order of vampire hunters known as the Dawnguard seek to stop him.[1][2]

The Dragonborn is given the option either join the Dawnguard and help defeat Harkon or join forces with the Volkihar vampires.[1][2]

Dawnguard can be started by listening for rumors or asking Hold Guards about a group of vampire hunters who are recruiting. This will steer the Dragonborn in the direction of Fort Dawnguard, and the add-on will begin.[2]

Alignment

Vampires

Dawnguardvampirealtar

Aligning with the vampires provides unique bonuses.

Joining forces with Harkon allows the Dragonborn to become a Vampire Lord - the paragon of the species. If the Dragonborn is already a Werewolf, accepting to become a Vampire Lord will remove the Lycanthropy, but it can be regained later.[3] The transformation process works similar to Lycanthropy and grants access to unique powers. One such ability is Vampiric Grip, which suspends an enemy in the air with telekinesis as their health is drained. Other powers and abilities include summoning a gargoyle, hovering above the ground and transforming into a cloud of bats.[1][2]

As with Lycanthropy, townspeople will attack a transformed Vampire Lord on sight, however this will no longer happen if the Dragonborn is a regular vampire. Unlike werewolf transformations, the vampire form can be exited at will.[2]

In addition to new powers, joining the vampires grants access to Castle Volkihar - an island stronghold that not only serves as a base, but grants bonuses to vampiric powers and gives blood potions, which heal and count towards vampiric feeding.[2]

Dawnguard

Dawnguard-fort

Fort Dawnguard.

Joining the Dawnguard grants the Dragonborn access to Fort Dawnguard, a large keep said to be hidden somewhere in the southern region of Skyrim.[4] The unique benefits of joining the Dawnguard include various new weapons and armor to fight vampires, including crossbows.[1][2] Furthermore, Dawnguard members will also be able to "hire" Armored Trolls, which serve as temporary followers.[3]

Perks

The Elder Scrolls V: Dawnguard introduces two new perk trees: Vampire Lord and Werewolf. Rather than spending points to add perks as in the base game, new perks are gained by feeding on enemies with the new powers. For vampires, consuming life blood through a bite power attack or a Drain Life spell causes new perks to be gained; for werewolves, it is consuming the heart when feeding on a dead corpse.[5] This approach allows high or maximum level characters to obtain new perks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to obtain.[2]

Vampire Lord

The Vampire Lord skill tree includes eleven perks:[6][7]

Vampskilltreedawnguard

Perk Description Requirements
Power of the Grave 50 point bonus to health, magicka and stamina as a Vampire Lord. None
Detect All Creatures Night Power: Detect all creatures, even dwarven automatons. Power of the Grave
Mist Form Night Power: Turn into an invulnerable mist, while health, magicka, and stamina regenerate. Detect All Creatures
Supernatural Reflexes Night Power: Everything slows down while you move faster. Mist Form
Blood Healing Killing a person with a power attack bite restores all your health. Power of the Grave
Unearthly Will Night Powers and Blood Magic cost 33% less. Power of the Grave
Poison Talons Melee attacks do 20 points of poison damage. Unearthly Will/Blood Healing
Night Cloak In combat you are surrounded by a cloud of bats that feed on enemies within melee range. Poison Talons
Vampiric Grip Blood Magic: Can pull a creature to you from a distance, and do choking damage once it's close. Power of the Grave
Summon Gargoyle Blood Magic: Can conjure a gargoyle to fight for you. Vampiric Grip
Corpse Curse Blood Magic: Target is paralyzed. Summon Gargoyle

Werewolf

The Werewolf skill tree includes eight perks.[2][5]

Werewolfskilltreedawnguard

Perk Level Description Requirements
Bestial Strength 1 Do 25% more damage as a werewolf. N/A
2 Do 50% more damage as a werewolf. N/A
3 Do 75% more damage as a werewolf. N/A
4 Do 100% more damage as a werewolf. N/A
Totem of Ice Brothers

Werewolf Totem of Brotherhood howl calls Ice Wolves.*

Bestial Strength
Totem of the Predator Werewolf Totem of Hunt howl has extended range, and shows whether the targets are not in combat, searching or actively in combat.* Bestial Strength
Totem of Terror Werewolf Howl of Terror affects even higher level creatures. Bestial Strength
Totem of the Moon Werewolf Totem of Brotherhood howl calls werewolves.* Totem of Ice Brothers
Animal Vigor 100 point bonus to health and stamina in beast form. Bestial Strength
Gorging Feeding heals twice as much health. Animal Vigor
Savage Feeding Able to feed off most dead creatures. Feeding off creatures instead of people only provides half the extended time. Gorging

*The quest "Totems of Hircine" must be completed before these will become usable.

Combat

Dawnguardcrossbow2

A crossbow, as it appears in Dawnguard.

Dawnguard introduces several new additions to both ranged and melee combat. The first new addition is the inclusion of Dragonbone weapons, which are stronger than Daedric Weapons.[8]

Crossbows are added to the arsenal of weapons at the Dragonborn's disposal. Crossbows remain loaded while running through the world and provide a quicker shot. They are, however, slower to reload than bows. Another benefit is that each shot has a chance to stagger an opponent. All of the perks spent in Archery skill tree apply to crossbows.[2] Crossbow bolts can also be crafted with various enchantments, such as fire and frost damage.[5]

New shouts are also included in the add-on. One shout called Soul Tear can be learned from Durnehviir, an undead Dragon found in the Soul Cairn.[8] This shout allows the Dragonborn to steal the soul of a defeated enemy and raise their soul as an undead minion.[2]

Soul Cairn

Dawnguard-soulcairn

The undead realm of Soul Cairn.

A plane of Oblivion known as Soul Cairn, an ethereal realm of trapped souls, is a new location that can be visited in Dawnguard. It can be accessed via a mysterious portal in Castle Volkihar.[1][2]

In addition, the Dragonborn can complete a side quest to free an undead skeletal horse named Arvak. This mount can then be summoned at will and is not restricted to the undead realm.[4][5]

Creatures

Legendary Dragons are the new maximum-level Dragon class. In addition to Legendary Dragons, new enemies such as Gargoyles, Death Hounds, Armored Trolls can be also encountered.[1][2] Within the Soul Cairn realm some of the enemies include Bonemen, Wrathmen, Keepers and an undead Dragon named Durnehviir.[7][5]

Character makeover

Dawnguard adds a new character in The Ragged Flagon of Riften named Galathil who can alter the Dragonborn's appearance for 1000Gold. Race and gender are locked, but other facial features can be tweaked.[2]

Preview trailer

A preview trailer was released by Bethesda on 31st May 2012 that showed various aspects of the add-on.

Narration

You have found our fortress.
You have returned my daughter.
But what is it you seek?
Is it to be one of us?
To make the darkness your own?
To feast on the souls of the living...and the dead?
Or are you with them?
The Dawnguard.
They think they can stop us.
But we will find them.
The Elder Scrolls will be mine.
And the tyranny of the sun shall end.

Trailer

The trailer begins by showing a mysterious fortress on an island, known as Castle Volkihar. The leader of the vampire faction, Harkon, narrates that the Dragonborn has found their fortress and returned his daughter, who is shown carrying an Elder Scroll on her back. An altar that bears a resemblance to the Altar of Molag Bal in Markarth is shown, which seems pertinent as Molag Bal is considered to be the creator and patron deity of vampires.[9][10] The trailer then depicts the transformation process in becoming a Vampire Lord and a new vampire feeding cinematic.

Fort Dawnguard is shown and the inclusion of crossbows is confirmed. The trailer then shows the Dragonborn fighting a variety of creatures, including a gargoyle-like creature, an ogre-like giant and a vampire who bursts into a cloud of bats. Also included in the trailer is an example of mounted combat, an undead skeletal horse and a Dragon that dives into a frozen lake. The Dragonborn is also shown opening an Elder Scroll, then a map of Skyrim comes into view with they symbols for Markarth and Solitude labeled in red.

The trailer concludes with the sun being blotted out above Dragonsreach in Whiterun, as a Dragonborn with glowing eyes walks toward the perspective.

Release

On 26 June 2012, Dawnguard released on Xbox 360 in the anglosphere,[11] priced at 1,600 Microsoft Points.[1]

Dawnguard became available for download on Steam on 2 August 2012 in English, Spanish, German, and French.

The PlayStation 3 version was delayed according to a Bethesda Softworks spokesperson who said, "We are not satisfied yet with Dawnguard's performance on the PS3," in an interview.[12]

It was released on PS3 in North America on February 26th 2013.[13]

Public beta

Following the success of PC beta updates, Bethesda announced a Dawnguard Beta for Xbox 360 on 1 June 2012. Bethesda selected applicants in the third week of June, and those accepted, receive an Xbox LIVE code to redeem the full version of Dawnguard.

Gallery

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Dawnguard Trailer!. Bethblog. Bethesda Softworks (31 May 2012).
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 Game Informer magazine - June 2012 issue
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Gamespot Stage Shows - Bethesda Booth Tour with Matt
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Gamespot.com - Dawnguard E3 2012 Stage Demo
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 G4TV.com - Dawnguard Extended E3 Gameplay Preview
  6. ↑ Gameinformer.com - Dawnguard Vampire Perk Tree
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Gametrailers.com - E3 interview with Todd Howard
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 G4TV.com - Dawnguard Gameplay demo with Todd Howard
  9. ↑ Opusculus Lamae Bal
  10. ↑ Vampires of Vvardenfell, Book II
  11. ↑ G4TV.com - Elder Scrolls: Dawnguard DLC Feature
  12. ↑ Fletcher, JC (2 August 2012). Skyrim's 'Dawnguard' DLC arrives on PC today, Bethesda 'not yet satisfied' with PS3 version. Joystiq. AOL Inc..
  13. ↑ Bethblog.com - PSN release dates for Dragonborn/Dawnguard/Hearthfire
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