Starting Dawnguard

[MinaBean]

Farkas (or Vilkas - I get them mixed up) sent me on a quest to a cave (I forget the name of it right now). I found the "out" - a locked gate with the chain on the other side. But I can't get in to the "in". My husband is playing Skyrim too and on his quest there was a chain that opened a rock wall, but the chain isn't there for me. He says it's the start of rescuing Serana and the whole Dawnguard storyline. Any suggestions on how to make the chain appear? I only have one save game before my current one and I really don't want to start the game over again. It would be my fourth time. </p>

 

[Neriad13]

You have to visit Fort Dawnguard before starting that quest. Other requirements:

- Your character must be at least level 10 before the beginning of Dawnguard triggers.
- At that point, you get sent to Fort Dawnguard by either a guard in any hold or Durak, an Orc vampire hunter who pops up to recruit you.
- Upon reaching the fort, the leader of Dawnguard sends you on a mission which results in Serana's rescue.

As far as I know, Farkas, Vilkas and the Companions have absolutely nothing to do with Dawnguard.

And be sure to get into the habit of saving more frequently!