Skyrim: Who Are The Dawnguard?

thegamer.com:

There are a lot of factions in Skyrim, from the Stormcloaks to the Imperials, the legendary warriors known as The Companions, Guilds of Assassins and Thieves, and entire Covens filled to the brim with Vampires. But among the most interesting of them is the Dawnguard, as joining up with them lets you channel your inner Van Helsing.

RELATED: Elder Scrolls: The History Of Alduin, The World Eater

This team of master vampire slayers are all skilled warriors when it comes to taking down the golden-eyed, blood-sucking monstrosities that prowl Tamriel and beyond. They’re available through Skyrim's Dawnguard DLC, which provides a whole new area, monsters, quests, loot, and NPCs to meet along the way. But who exactly are the Dawnguard?

"Heard they're reforming the Dawnguard. Vampire hunters or something, in the old fort near Riften. Might consider joining up myself."

— The Past Dozen Or So Guards You've Walked Past

Remember in Blade 3 where Wesley Snipes worked with a team of professional Vampire Slayers to take down Count Dracula? The Dawnguard is (not to put too fine a point on it) pretty much like that. They’re a team of warriors of different races from all over the various realms that are equipped with specialized Undead slaying weaponry, and they all bring their own unique skills and personalities to the party. So yes, "Vampire hunters or something" is surprisingly astute.

They reside within the confines of Fort Dawnguard, a giant castle found after journeying through Dayspring Canyon to the Northwest of Stendarr’s Beacon. It’s a treacherous pilgrimage that only the strong will survive, but it ensures that all who seek to join the Dawnguard's ranks are tough enough to take on the undead and their endless minions.

The