Werewolf. Why?
1. I like wolves since they symbolize a lone hunter.
2. We don't have to end up with glowing eyes or pale skin.
3. We're not Heliophobic (afraid of sunlight)
4. Vampires are servants to Molag Bal who rewards them with rape, torture, damnation and a twisted version of Tamriel (which I don't think anyone would want to live there.) while Hircine rewards werewolves with endless amount of prey in the Hunting Grounds.
5. All you have to do is drink the blood of a werewolf instead of offering yourself to be raped by Molag to be a powerful vampire.
6. Werewolves can take down a dragon
I think there's more but that's all I have. So, in short, Werewolves FTW.
Counter Argument.
There’s been many a time in my play throughs where I’ve lobbed off the head of a Vampire and even thrown them against the wall, killing them outright. A good few times I’ve slammed them into the ground and ripped their chests open before they can even scream.
Can never recall one hit killing a Werewolf though…
1: This is actually a tougher question than just abilities and social strictures. I could never take a handle on being a Vampire as being restricted to a diet of blood and the Vampire society structure just doesn't do well with me. BUT, lycanthropy is something I would consider in as much as how it is presented by The Companions. The hard part is, if believed by lore, you still end up serving Hircine. See, I hate having to be the servant to anyone, let alone a Daedric Prince. Not exactly inspiring even with all of the benefits. However, with the backing of The Companions where there is an actual small community of werewolves, I could see that as being viable. Having to hunt or watch for the change and run off to the wood line doesn't bother me so much. It might be somewhat challenging, but I don't mind living off the land in the real world, so it isn't a stretch. It still gives me some issue with the whole serving eternally as a plaything for Hircine though.I would have to think very carefully before just signing up willingly. Power for power's sake isn't enough for me. A tight knit community with the chance to have normalized relations with friends as well as intimate relationships would have to be proven first. I mean, with the Companions, it's easy, you have a small circle of friends, but what of a mate? No guarantees. What if all your werewolf friends died before you? Then what? A lot to weigh in. I would have to have a driving need to take it on as willing participant, something that balances the sacrifice (eternal hunting dog, society hunting you etc) and power alone isn't enough. On the plus side, I love the outdoors, having the power to hunt as a beast and run with the wolves...not too bad a deal. When it comes to a fight, pretty powerful creatures with less restrictions on diet etc than vampires.
Now, of the two, hands down Werewolf over being a vampire. At least as a werewolf, you can blend into society easier for interaction etc. Vampires, yeah too many restrictions and quite honestly, as portrayed in Skyrim, they really aren't a very happy lot.
Nicely thought out Vulkhammar
Being a werewolf isn't just about power and raw strength, it's being part of a family, a pack. it's a way of life and after life.
I wouldn't worry too much about the Hunting Grounds, I firmly believe and would argue that pack members remain in their packs after death.
Upon our deaths, both Aela and myself will run for eternity by each others side.
Welcome to the pack. Wolfbrother.