Complete Guide to Protecting the Bloodline Quest in Skyrim

Introduction

"Protecting the Bloodline" is a quest in Skyrim that players encounter as part of the Dawnguard DLC. This quest revolves around the intriguing story of a noble vampire lord's bloodline and the challenges tied to it. In this guide, we'll walk through each step required to complete the quest, providing detailed instructions to ensure that players can navigate any obstacles they encounter along the way.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

• Starting the Quest
  * * First, ensure that you have the Dawnguard DLC installed. * Travel to the Dawnguard headquarters located at Fort Dawnguard, situated southwest of the Rift. * Speak with the leader, Isran, to initiate the questline if you haven't already done so. * * After completing the previous quests, you will receive a summons from Isran to travel to the Vampire Castle, Volkihar Keep.

• Travel to Volkihar Keep
  * * Mark Volkihar Keep on your map, located north of Solitude on the coast. * Head to the north entrance of the Keep; you’ll encounter some enemies along the way. * Enter the castle when you reach it.

• Meet Serana and Start the Bloodline Revelation
  * * Once inside Volkihar Keep, you will meet Serana if you haven't yet. * Engage in dialogue and agree to help her restore her mother. * * Follow Serana as she leads you further into the castle, discussing the importance of her bloodline.

• Defend the Entrance to the Castle
  * * Expect an ambush as you advance deeper into the Keep. * Utilize archery, magic, and melee skills to fend off incoming enemies. * * Focus on taking down the vampire thralls first as they are the most immediate threats.

• Reaching the Inner Sanctum
  * * Progress through several rooms and corridors, encountering more enemies. * Look for a door leading to the Inner Sanctum; it’s usually on your right after clearing the enemies. * * Activate the next set of interactions with Serana.

• Acquiring the Blood
  * * After the story cutscene, follow Serana to the rituals involving her mother's blood. * You'll need to search the castle for specific items required for the ritual. * * Be prepared to face stronger vampire foes in this segment.

• Fight the Vampires
  * * After gathering the required bodily components, prepare for a boss-like encounter with the leading vampire. * Use the environment wisely, utilizing cover and high ground. * * Bring potions and spells that help against vampire enemies, like Dawnguard crossbows if you have them.

• Complete the Ritual
  * * Return to Serana and complete the ritual when prompted. * Expect a dramatic cutscene that highlights the culmination of her mother’s resurrection. * * Your efforts will significantly shift the power dynamics between Vampires and the Dawnguard.

• Quest Completion
  * * After the cutscene, enjoy the wrap-up interactions with Serana. * You will receive experience points and unique rewards, such as leadership over your next steps in the Dawnguard questline. * * Make sure to save your game as this may open further quest options.

Conclusion

Congratulations! By following this in-depth walkthrough, you've successfully completed the “Protecting the Bloodline” quest in Skyrim. Navigating through the trials and tribulations of the vampire world not only furthers Serana's storyline but also enhances your adventure through the mesmerizing realm of Skyrim. Enjoy exploring the remnants of the Dawnguard storylines and the numerous quests that await you!