Can You Be a Vampire and Marry Aela in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, you can absolutely be a vampire and marry Aela the Huntress in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, but it involves a bit of juggling with the game’s mechanics and questlines. The short answer is that you need to complete the Companions questline to marry Aela, which initially turns you into a werewolf, thus curing you of vampirism. However, after marrying her, you can become a vampire again through the Dawnguard DLC, specifically by seeking out Serana.
Navigating the Hybrid Hurdle: Werewolf First, Vampire Later
The key to making this work lies in understanding how the game handles vampirism and lycanthropy (werewolf form). Skyrim typically only allows you to have one of these conditions active at a time.
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The Companions Questline: To initiate marriage with Aela, you must complete the Companions questline. This questline culminates in you becoming a werewolf. As you progress through the questline, you must drink the werewolf blood, and you will lose your vampire status.
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Marriage to Aela: Once you’ve completed the necessary quests and earned Aela’s affection (usually through completing radiant quests for the Companions), you can marry her by obtaining an Amulet of Mara and proposing.
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Dawnguard DLC and Re-embracing Vampirism: After the wedding, you can then embark on the Dawnguard DLC. Depending on your choices, you can become a Vampire Lord by siding with Lord Harkon, or you can cure your lycanthropy with Aela and become a Vampire Lord by siding with Serana.
Considerations: Why This Works
- Game Mechanics: The game prioritizes the last “transformation” you receive. Becoming a werewolf will cure vampirism, and vice-versa. The Dawnguard DLC provides a repeatable way to become a vampire, so curing vampirism for the Companions questline is not a problem.
- Aela’s Immunity: As the article notes, Aela cannot be turned into a vampire herself. She is permanently immune due to her werewolf blood.
- Roleplaying Implications: It’s worth considering the roleplaying implications of this. Aela is a fierce hunter and warrior of Skyrim. The dynamic between a werewolf huntress and a Vampire Lord/Mistress offers an exciting and perhaps conflicted narrative.
- No In-Game Penalties: There are no in-game penalties for being a vampire while married to Aela. Her dialogue and actions won’t change based on your vampiric status.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions providing additional valuable information:
Can I turn Aela into a vampire?
No, Aela the Huntress cannot be turned into a vampire. She is a werewolf, and her lycanthropy grants her immunity to vampirism.
Who is the best wife for a vampire in Skyrim?
While personal preference varies, Ysolda is a popular choice for vampire spouses due to the unique facial markings she gets as a vampire and the ease of marrying her.
Can a werewolf marry a vampire in Skyrim?
Yes, a werewolf player character can marry a vampire character, or vice versa. It’s your spouse that can’t be a werewolf if you want to become a vampire.
Can I join the Companions if I am a vampire?
Yes, you can start the Companions questline as a vampire, but to progress, you must become a werewolf. You can regain your vampirism later.
Can I be both a vampire and werewolf at the same time in Skyrim?
No, in the standard version of Skyrim, you cannot be a vampire and a werewolf simultaneously. However, mods are available that allow for this hybrid state.
What happens if a vampire bites a werewolf in Skyrim?
In Skyrim lore, nothing happens. Aela cannot become a vampire because she is a werewolf.
Is Aela a good wife in Skyrim?
Yes, many players consider Aela a good wife. She can provide archery training, carry your burdens, offer income, and be a strong follower.
Can Aela be killed in Skyrim?
Yes, Aela can be killed. She is a follower and can die permanently if she takes too much damage. Be careful in dangerous situations.
Can Aela cure my vampirism?
No, Aela cannot cure your vampirism. However, if you become a werewolf, it will cure you of your vampirism. Alternatively, you can find Falion in Morthal.
Can Aela be recruited into the Blades?
Yes, Aela can be recruited into the Blades. She’ll then leave the Companions and reside in Sky Haven Temple.
Why can’t vampires drink each other’s blood in Skyrim?
Skyrim’s lore doesn’t explicitly forbid vampires from drinking each other’s blood, but it provides no benefits. Vampire blood is “tainted.”
What is a female vampire called?
A female vampire is called a vampiress.
Why can’t vampires impregnate or get pregnant in Skyrim?
Vampire bodies in Skyrim are essentially undead and therefore cannot perform biological tasks such as reproduction.
Can I turn Lydia into a vampire in Skyrim?
Yes, to turn Lydia into a vampire, you must side with the vampires in the Dawnguard DLC. However, remember she will be susceptible to sun damage.
Is it better to be a Vampire Lord or a werewolf in Skyrim?
It depends on your playstyle. Vampire Lords offer powerful magic abilities and a unique transformation, while werewolves provide strong melee attacks and resistance to disease.
What is the Games Learning Society?
If you’re interested in exploring the educational and social aspects of games like Skyrim, you might want to check out the Games Learning Society. They’re an organization dedicated to researching and promoting the positive impacts of gaming. You can find more information on their website at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Concluding Thoughts
Marrying Aela the Huntress as a vampire in Skyrim is achievable, albeit with a few necessary steps. The key is understanding how the game handles the conflict between lycanthropy and vampirism and leveraging the Dawnguard DLC to your advantage. With a bit of planning, you can have a powerful vampire character happily married to one of Skyrim’s most beloved huntresses, adding a unique and compelling dynamic to your gameplay experience.