The Dawnguard expansion for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim brings with it some seriously cool new gameplay mechanics and abilities, not to mention Vampire Lords. But even though the expansion's announcement trailer promised that players will now be able to travel across the northern province flying on demonic wings as a creature of darkness, that certainly doesn't mean the Dragonborn will be stuck with the same old powers.
Granted, the Dawnguard screenshots show some horrifying skills granted to Vampire Lords, but not all battle is about violence.
A few new Dragon Shouts have been revealed, and we've got the details for those who'd like to know what turning to the dark side can get you.
The most notable of the new Dragon Shouts is without question 'Summon Durnehviir,' calling forth the undead Dragon Durnehviir (meaning 'Curse Never Dying') to your location in Tamriel.
The Shout is first learned after defeating the Dragon in the Soul Cairn, gaining the creature's respect. Not only will Durhenviir aid the Dragonborn in battle, he is also capable of calling forth Bonemen to assist as well. And no, you don't get to ride him.
As payment for summoning him forth from his eternal prison of the Soul Cairn into Tamriel, Durnehviir will teach the Dragonborn one word of the 'Soul Tear' Shout upon each summoning. Call forth Durnehviir three times and the Shout is learned.
To summon the Dragon, the Shout may need to be aimed at the ground, in an area capable of spawning the sizable undead creature.
The 'Soul Tear' Shout (meaning 'Essence Tear Zombie') does just what its name implies. When aimed at an enemy, the Shout inflicts damage to their soul, and if killed, captures it for the player.
The victim of the Shout is then turned into a thrall, doing the Dragonborn's bidding in combat. The Shout is by far most effective when all three words are learned, so if you're just starting out with Dawnguard, be sure to read our introduction guide, and use 'Summon Durnehviir' three times as soon as possible.
We knew Skyrim already had Vampires and Werewolves, so it's nice to see that the more traditional form of Zombies are present too.
The 'Drain Vitality' Shout may tell you all there is to know in its name, but finding each of the constituent words will take a bit of time. Seeing as how the Shout grants the player the ability to leech 'Stamina - Magicka - Health' from the targeted enemy, it's likely worth it.
The first word is found during the main Dawnguard campaign in Dimhollow Crypt, just north of The Lord Stone. Another word is found in a Word Wall added to the tomb at Arcwind Point, south of Ivarstead. Yet another word lies in the Forgotten Vale, but finding that one will require a true test of strength.
The Forgotten Vale is a massive valley featuring a large frozen lake. The word can be found on a stone at its center, but learning it triggers an attacks from the twin Dragons Naaslaarum and Voslaarum. Able to break through the ice below the Dragonborn's feet, players will want to use 'Dragonrend' as often as possible.
We hope these tips will help you in your quest to hunt down the Vampire threat once and for all, unless of course you choose to side with them. In which case, these new Shouts will be off-limits.
If you've got any tips or tricks on taking out the powerful forces that stand between the Dragonborn and bigger, better shouting - particularly those double Dragons - share them in the comments.
Happy hunting!
Dawnguard is currently available on Xbox 360 and will release later for PC and PS3.
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