Can You Marry Companions in Bannerlord 2? The Definitive Guide

So, you’ve been traversing the lands of Calradia, building your warband, and dreaming of settling down. You’ve got your eye on a particularly skilled companion, someone who’s proven their worth in battle and whose sharp wit keeps you entertained on long journeys. But can you actually marry them?

The answer, in most cases, is no. The game mechanics are designed so that you cannot directly marry companions you recruit into your clan, at least not in the standard game. The pool of marriageable characters is typically limited to nobles and clan leaders within the various factions. Companions, by definition, aren’t part of that pool. However, there are some nuanced situations and workarounds to consider. So let’s explore these.

The Nuances of Marriage and Companionship

While a direct “I do” with a dedicated companion isn’t on the cards initially, the game’s mechanics leave some wiggle room. Here’s a breakdown:

• Female Companions and Marriage: Female companions cannot be married off in the base game. There is no option to betroth them to a clan leader or noble, even after a character is made into a vassal.

• Male Companions and Vassalage: Male companions, once elevated to vassal status, become eligible for marriage. This means other clans can approach them for marriage agreements. However, you, as the player, cannot arrange a marriage for them directly unless you play as a female character.

• The Female Player Character Loophole: If you’re playing as a female character, there’s a unique, albeit roundabout, possibility. You can potentially marry a male companion after you’ve made him a vassal. This requires a lot of steps, as they would first be considered your vassal. Therefore, they would be able to marry your character.

Why Can’t I Marry My Companion Directly?

The reasoning behind this limitation likely stems from the game’s mechanics and the intended role of companions. Companions are designed as recruitable units, specialists with skills that augment your party. Marriage is a political tool, used to forge alliances, gain influence, and produce heirs. Directly marrying a companion could potentially bypass these systems, creating unintended balance issues.

Modding the System

Of course, the modding community thrives on expanding and altering game mechanics. Several mods specifically address the companion marriage limitation. These mods can range from simple tweaks that allow you to marry any character, regardless of their status, to more complex systems that incorporate companion-specific marriage events and consequences. If this limitation is a major sticking point for you, exploring the Bannerlord modding scene is highly recommended.

Maximizing Your Marriage Prospects in Bannerlord 2

Even if you can’t marry your favorite companion, securing a strategic marriage is crucial for long-term success in Bannerlord 2. Here are a few tips:

• Consider Skill Sets: Don’t just focus on looks! Look for a spouse with valuable skills, such as medicine, stewardship, or leadership, to boost your clan’s overall capabilities.

• Political Alliances: A marriage can solidify alliances with powerful clans. Consider the political landscape and choose a spouse whose clan can provide valuable support.

• Age Matters: Fertility declines with age. To maximize your chances of having children, aim for a younger spouse, ideally in their late teens or early twenties. Wives can have children until age 41.

• Fief Location: Having your spouse in your party or as the Governor of a Fief can help in having children.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Marriage and Companions in Bannerlord 2

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the complexities of marriage and companions in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord:

1. Can female companions ever get married? In the base game, no. Female companions are locked out of the marriage system.

2. Can male companions get married without becoming vassals? No. Male companions must be vassals to be considered for marriage by other clans.

3. If I marry a clan leader, does their clan become part of mine? No. Marriage doesn’t merge clans. It primarily improves relations and provides potential heirs.

4. How do I find suitable marriage candidates? Travel to towns and castles, talk to lords and ladies, and use the encyclopedia to research clan members.

5. What affects the success of a marriage proposal? Your clan’s renown, your relationship with the potential spouse and their clan leader, and the offered dowry all play a role. The dowry for the marriage will be based on your Relations with said Clan.

6. Is there a way to divorce my spouse in Bannerlord 2? Not through in-game mechanics. The only method that is currently known is to imprison and execute them using the console commands.

7. Do personality traits matter when choosing a spouse? Yes. A spouse with compatible personality traits can improve clan morale and decision-making.

8. Can I marry a widowed clan leader or noble? Yes. You can marry widows, but you cannot marry clan leaders.

9. How many children can I have in Bannerlord 2? Realistically, expect 3-4 children per wife. It is x1. 3. So, realistically, 3~4 is about the max.

10. Can my spouse die in Bannerlord 2? Yes. Spouses can die in battle or from old age, just like any other character.

11. How does marriage affect my relationship with other factions? Marrying into a faction improves your standing with that faction, making alliances and trade easier.

12. Does my spouse’s culture affect my clan? Yes. Your spouse’s culture can influence troop types and social interactions within your clan.

13. Can I marry someone from a different culture? Yes. Marrying someone from a different culture is possible and can add diversity to your clan.

14. Can you marry Arwa the pearled one? Yes, it is possible to marry female claimants (either Lady Isolla of Suno or Arwa the Pearled One).

15. What are the best wives in Bannerlord 2? These are the best wives in Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord. 8 Silvind, 7 Abagai, 6 Arwa, 5 Liena, 4 Svana, 3 Corein, 2 Nadea, 1 Siga.

Conclusion

While you can’t directly marry a standard companion in Bannerlord 2 (with the exception of a specific workaround using a female player character and vassalage), the marriage system remains a crucial element of the game. By understanding the mechanics, exploring modding options, and making strategic choices, you can leverage marriage to strengthen your clan, forge alliances, and secure your legacy in the turbulent world of Calradia. Remember to also check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more insights into the educational aspects of gaming!