In the expansive world of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, lycanthropy presents an intriguing opportunity for adventurers. Transforming into a werewolf bestows players with unique abilities and attributes, making it a compelling choice for those looking to enhance their experience. This article delves into how to become a werewolf, the mechanisms of transformation, and the benefits and drawbacks of lycanthropy.
How to Become a Werewolf
In Skyrim, players have two main avenues to contract lycanthropy: through The Companions questline and the “Ill Met By Moonlight” quest.
Joining The Companions
- Head to Whiterun and enter Jorrvaskr, the headquarters of The Companions.
- Speak with Kodlak Whitemane and express your desire to join The Companions.
- After completing several quests, you will be invited to participate in a special ritual during “The Silver Hand” quest.
- During the ritual, drink the blood of a werewolf to become one yourself.
Ill Met By Moonlight Quest
- Start by speaking with Sinding, a prisoner in Falkreath Jail, who will provide you with the Cursed Ring of Hircine.
- Complete the subsequent tasks, which involve hunting a great white elk and interacting with the daedric lord Hircine.
- Depending on your choices, you can receive the Ring of Hircine, which allows multiple transformations, or the Savior’s Hide, a unique piece of armor.
Transformation Mechanics
Once you have contracted lycanthropy, there are specific mechanics and abilities associated with transforming into a werewolf.
- Beast Form: This power allows you to transform into a werewolf once per day, found in the Powers section of the Magic menu.
- Transformation: Transforms you into a beast, increasing your speed, physical strength, and stamina regeneration.
- Duration: Normally lasts for a few minutes but can be extended by feeding on human corpses.
Perks and Abilities
The Dawnguard DLC introduces a Werewolf Perks tree, enhancing the werewolf experience with new abilities, including howl enhancements and other stat boosts obtainable by feeding on corpses.
Totems of Hircine
- Detect Life: Totem of The Hunt allows you to detect life forces.
- Summon Wolf Spirits: Totem of Brotherhood enables you to summon two wolf spirits.
- Howl of Fear: Totem of Fear scares enemies away.
Pros and Cons of Lycanthropy
Benefits
- Increased Health and Stamina: Enhanced physical attributes in both human and werewolf forms.
- Speed and Strength: In Beast Form, you move faster and deal significantly more damage.
- Immunity to Diseases: Immunity to all diseases, including vampirism.
- No Bounty: Actions taken in Beast Form do not incur bounty if unobserved.
Drawbacks
- Lack of Access: Cannot access the character menu or pick up items in Beast Form.
- Social Stigma: Most NPCs will react negatively to a werewolf, and companions may abandon you.
- Resting Bonuses: Unable to receive rested bonuses from sleeping.
- Silver Weapon Vulnerability: Silver weapons deal extra damage to werewolves.
- Health Regeneration: No natural health regeneration in Beast Form, relying solely on feeding.
- Limited Transformation Duration: Transformation only lasts a few minutes unless extended by feeding.
Conclusion
Becoming a werewolf in Skyrim offers a blend of powerful benefits and noteworthy drawbacks. While the enhanced abilities in combat and immunity to diseases can be game-changing, the social and practical limitations require careful consideration. Whether through the path of The Companions or the quest lines involving Hircine, the journey to lycanthropy adds depth and variety to your Skyrim adventure.
