Can You Divorce Your Spouse in Bannerlord? A Comprehensive Guide
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The question of divorce in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is a common one, often echoing through the virtual halls of Calradia. The short answer? Currently, no, you cannot divorce your spouse through any in-game mechanic. Once you’ve tied the knot in Bannerlord, you’re in it for the long haul, for better or for worse – and likely, for a lot of sieges. This article delves into the specifics of marital life (and its inescapable nature) in Bannerlord, along with answers to frequently asked questions about marriage, offspring, and the potential… exits… from unwanted unions.
Marriage in Calradia: A Permanent Arrangement
The absence of a divorce mechanic is a deliberate design choice by TaleWorlds Entertainment. Marriage in Bannerlord is intended to be a strategic and significant commitment, impacting your clan’s growth and overall power. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly, as you’re essentially locked into the relationship. This lack of an easy out raises the stakes and forces players to consider carefully who they choose to marry.
The consequences of this permanency are both practical and, occasionally, a bit amusing. On the practical side, a well-chosen spouse can bring valuable skills, influence, and even children to your clan. On the other hand, being stuck with a spouse who doesn’t quite live up to expectations can be… challenging.
Alternative Solutions: The Grim Realities
Since divorce is off the table, players seeking to end an unwanted marriage have, shall we say, explored other options. These options are ethically dubious and narratively drastic, but they are, nonetheless, the only “solutions” currently available within the game:
- Death by Misadventure (or “Accident”): The most straightforward, if morally questionable, approach is to engineer your spouse’s demise. This can be achieved by placing them in harm’s way during battles or assigning them dangerous tasks. However, be warned: your companions and clan members may not appreciate such actions, potentially leading to negative relationship penalties.
- The Prison Break “Accident”: As mentioned in the original article, this method involves deliberately getting your spouse captured and imprisoned by an enemy faction. Then, you stage a prison break, conveniently ensuring they meet their end during the escape. This method requires careful planning and a willingness to play the long game, but it’s arguably less directly attributable to you.
It’s crucial to understand that these are extreme measures with potential consequences. Your character’s honor and reputation will suffer, which can impact your interactions with other lords and ladies in Calradia.
Marriage: A Strategic Choice, Not a Romantic One
Given the lack of divorce, the smart Bannerlord player approaches marriage with a strategic mindset. Consider the following factors when selecting a spouse:
- Skills: A spouse with high skills in areas like medicine, engineering, or stewardship can significantly benefit your clan.
- Clan Status: Marrying into a powerful clan can bolster your own clan’s influence and provide valuable alliances.
- Personality: While less tangible, a spouse with a compatible personality can improve your relationships with other characters and potentially unlock new dialogue options.
- Age: A younger spouse is more likely to bear children, ensuring the continuation of your lineage.
The Future of Marriage in Bannerlord
While there’s no official word from TaleWorlds Entertainment about adding a divorce mechanic, the possibility remains open. The game is still in active development, and the developers have consistently shown a willingness to listen to player feedback. Perhaps, in a future update, we’ll see the introduction of divorce laws, albeit with potential costs and consequences.
For now, choose wisely. Your marital choices in Bannerlord are a commitment for life – or, at least, until one of you meets an unfortunate end on the battlefield.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Marriage in Bannerlord
Here are some frequently asked questions about marriage and related topics in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord:
1. Can I divorce my wife in Bannerlord?
No, there is currently no in-game mechanic to divorce your spouse in Bannerlord. Once married, you’re committed to the relationship for the duration of the game.
2. How do I get rid of my spouse if I don’t want them anymore?
Without a divorce option, the only ways to “end” the marriage are by arranging for your spouse’s death, either through battle or a deliberately failed prison break. Be aware that this will significantly impact your character’s reputation.
3. Can I marry more than one person in Bannerlord?
No, Bannerlord only allows for monogamous relationships. You can only be married to one character at a time.
4. Who are the best women to marry in Bannerlord?
The “best” spouse depends on your priorities. Some popular choices include:
- Siga: Known for her combat skills and strong stats.
- Liena: Excellent steward and can manage your finances effectively.
- Corein: A skilled doctor and healer.
- Abagai: Good at combat and has decent steward skills.
Ultimately, choose a spouse whose skills complement your own and benefit your clan’s goals.
5. What benefits do I get from marrying someone in Bannerlord?
Marriage provides several benefits, including:
- A powerful companion: Your spouse becomes a member of your clan and can lead parties, govern settlements, or fill other crucial roles.
- Potential offspring: Having children ensures the continuation of your clan’s lineage.
- Increased clan influence: Marrying into a powerful clan can bolster your own clan’s standing.
- Improved relationships: A well-chosen spouse can improve your relations with other characters.
6. Can you marry widows in Bannerlord?
Yes, you can marry widows in Bannerlord, provided they are not clan leaders themselves.
7. What is the companion limit in Bannerlord?
Your companion limit starts at four and increases by one for each clan tier you achieve, up to a maximum of eight companions.
8. What is the maximum relationship level in Bannerlord?
Relationship levels range from -100 to +100.
9. How many children can you have in Bannerlord?
The number of children you can have depends on your spouse’s age and fertility. It is hard to have more than 3-4 children, but not impossible.
10. Can I have more than one child at a time in Bannerlord?
No, you can only have one child at a time.
11. Is marriage necessary in Bannerlord?
While not strictly necessary to play the game, marriage is essential for ensuring the long-term survival of your clan. When your character dies, you’ll need an heir to take over. Furthermore, a well-chosen marriage provides valuable benefits to your clan’s growth and influence.
12. What happens if my spouse dies in Bannerlord?
If your spouse dies, they are permanently removed from the game. You are free to marry again once the mourning period has passed. However, any children you had with your deceased spouse remain with you and continue to be part of your clan.
13. Can I marry a claimant in Mount and Blade Warband?
Yes, it is possible to marry female claimants (either Lady Isolla of Suno or Arwa the Pearled One) in Mount & Blade: Warband.
14. What is the max skill level in Bannerlord?
The current soft cap for skills is 330 with 10 attribute points and 5 focus points. It is possible to reach a higher number by gaining a single instance of high XP (e.g., trading for a very large profit), by cheating, or using mods that increase the minimum skill gain. The hard cap is 1023.
15. Where can I learn more about the intersection of gaming and learning?
The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) is a great resource for those interested in the educational aspects of gaming and the application of game-based learning principles. You can also visit GamesLearningSociety.org.