Sanguinare Vampiris is a common affliction that many players actually seek out in Skyrim. While it does have its faults, it can be used to the player's advantage if they're smart and... well, think as a vampire would. While magic boosts and damage seem to be in balanced phases much of the time, a player will need to keep an eye on which stage of vampirism they've transitioned into... but of course, every player would know that.
So, what else is there to know about Sanguinare Vampiris that the casual player might not be aware of? Let's give in to the night and take a look.
10 Not Every Attack Will Turn A Player, But There Is Another Way
If you happen to be a player who is seeking out vampirism, the catch is that not every attack will result in the infection. Additionally, a player will need to find a vampire and give them the offensive advantage, which can be risky.
If you don't want to go through all of that, you could just search for Vampire Salts. Finding this can sometimes provide an easier way to reach the ultimate goal of vampirism, rather than sheer ambition and luck. Worst comes to worst, simply save before entering into a battle with a known vampire.
9 There Is A Time Limit To Cure Before It's Too Late
Some may know this while others might not. Vampirism doesn't just happen; with four stages in total, the entire process takes some time. There is a three day waiting period while the character transitions from their mortal form to that of the undead, during which a player must remain uncured.
Additionally, players must stay far away from chapels or altars, which can inadvertently cure vampirism immediately. Once the player has reached day three, they'll need to feed, thus bringing them back to stage one of vampirism -- the safest stage.
8 Feeding Will Always Bring The Player Back To Stage One Of Vampirism
While this is true, it can be frustrating to constantly keep an eye on which stage your character has progressed to. By stage four, things begin to get a little wild and can spiral out of control quickly.
The stages in between can be used to the player's benefit if they're familiar with the process, but stage one is the only one that will conceal them temporarily as a 'human'. The other stages make it more of a challenge to go about normal quests, and by the last stage, hunger will always be the main goal.
7 NPCs Will Only Attack You During Stage Four
Luckily, the game mechanics are fair when it comes to the stages of vampirism. While the second and third aren't ideal for running through town, they won't likely bring you any harm. By the second stage, the player can use the Seduction ability, which can be useful when it comes to ending stage four in a pinch.
There's a catch with this, too, which we'll get to later on. During the third stage, most NPCs won't bother giving your character the time of day because they know something is off.
6 Sanguinare Vampiris Can Be Cured By Its Opposite... Lycanthropy
Interestingly enough, Lycanthropy is also part of Skyrim and, just as traditional folklore tells us, is the opposite of vampirism. Becoming a wild beast means to become the mortal enemy of the vampire, something that appeals to some players.
The game sticks with traditional legend in this case and the player can be affected by completing the "Companions" quest. Once a player has been infected with Lycanthropy, they will turn and, unlike vampirism, it won't take an extensive period of time in order to do so.
5 Using The Altar Will Reverse The Effects, In The Given Time Frame
As stated before, worshipping at the altar will reverse all effects of vampirism. The game provides an inordinate amount of time to cure this inflicted disease because, once the curse has set, there isn't much one can do to reverse it.
Once vampirism has become permanent, the player must resort to a second infliction or complete the Rising at Dawn quest, neither of which is ideal. The altar will take care of the infliction and heal the player at the same time, thus bringing them back to their human form.
4 A Player Infected With Vampirism Is Considered A Separate Race
Yet another interesting tidbit is the fact that any player who is affected with Sanguinare Vampiris is no longer considered a member of the race they have chosen. If a player started out the game as a Breton, once vampirism becomes permanent, they're no longer viewed as simply part of the Breton race.
Vampirism comes with its own class attributes and disadvantages, turning the character into something else entirely. Rather, the player will become a Breton Vampire, completely with their own skill set and weaknesses.
3 Each Species Takes On Its Own Appearance While In Stage Four
Additionally, each character will have a different appearance by the time they've reached the stage of a ravenous vampire. The Bretan, Altmer, Nord, Imperial, Bosmer, Redguard and Dunmer races will look the most like traditional vampires we've seen in media and film, while something like an Orc will look ghoulish and scary.
Argonians and Khajiit will grow wild teeth during their fourth stage, immediately alerting NPCs of their status. Obviously, none of these features are ideal unless hunting at night, away from the prying eyes of villagers. If being attacked is your thing, then, by all means, take a stroll through town.
2 Female Characters Can Sometimes Have Glitchy, Dirty-Looking Features
This is a bug that's fairly well-known for those who are familiar with the effects of vampirism. When a female transitions, her features become darker as the disease progresses. By the fourth stage, her skin will appear to be incredibly dirty and almost burnt-looking.
This arises as a result of the make-up feature that Skyrim comes with and can be avoided by not applying any eyeliner or shadow to a character's face. If it's too late to edit the character (this can't be done post-vampirism), it can be done after reversing the effects and becoming human once again.
1 Seduction Is A Good Way To Feed At Any Point In Time
This ability can only be equipped once the Dawnguard add-on is installed and grants the player a useful skill. While Vampiric Drain, Vampire Servant, Vampire's Sight, and Embrace of Shadows can all be equipped and used by the fourth stage, Vampire's Seduction is one of the first potent forms of control that a player will receive.
This allows them to feed on humans at any time and in any place without drawing attention or getting any resistance from an NPC. It's a useful tactic that helps to keep a player's vampiric stages in check.