I have been pondering this question tonight, and for some odd reason, have thought about joining in on the volikhar castle vampires, I like the idea of running a castle; however I have concerns over the pros and cons to becoming a vampire, where are most of the attacks if at all in game? Does the Dawnguard stay to attacking out in the wild, or do they attack you while in a city? I am assuming and have heard stories because of Serana, you get alot more violence shoved at you. I thought it'd be pretty fun to join the volkhar vampire side, then after the main quest, get cured of vampirism, then lead the vampires as a non vampire! What are the pros and cons of becoming a vampire in the game? I have always joined the Dawnguard, but do not know if joining the vampire side, if that will be more cutthroat or not, just some of the quests I've seen, seem pretty bloody, so anyways, please give me some feedback, so I can make the right choice

One consistently annoying Dawnguard attack is the attack by 2 scouts during the Dawnguard quests each time the player, if a vampire, returns to the castle after completing a quest. It's not a big threat, it's just two Dawnguard scouts every time, it's just annoying

Are you a good character or evil? Are you a mage or warrior?

1. Out in the wild or, in the case of the vampires, in the cities at a certain period of time.

2. Wild only.

3. They vampires will not give you quests or like you unless you are a volkihar vampire.

Pros:

Certain Rings

Castle

Illusion boost

Overall magic prowess increase (you can kick serious butt as a vampire)

Cons:

Weakness to fire

Weakness to sun

Attacks by Dawnguard

It must be noted that the weakness to sun is not lethal. It only stunts your health, magicka and stamina regeneration. I must ask original poster are you on pc? If so I know some mods that will enhance the vampire experience.

Just on console, I do not have the money to get a kick but pc for the game as I would like, maybe in distant future I can afford it though

I consider my character good, priest character, thinking of staying Breton, male, father figure, I like to keep the spectral ghosts out in the game, it adds enjoyment to my game, I was looking at the vampire rings and amulets, most of the ghosts would have to disappear! I think it would be pretty interesting though to wear Mara amulet while a vampire, as in castle, there is a shrine of Mara there, I read about the "bestial amulet," I am assuming that a health increase is a health increase doesn't matter where you get it, I would assume just by gameplay that a good fire resistant boots would do the job

If you're a good character you will be forced to do a number of 'evil' acts so you're best bet would to be Dawnguard.

If you are vampire its easy to get around the Cons. If you don't mind enchanting.