Can You Marry as a Werewolf in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, absolutely! Being a werewolf in Skyrim does not prevent you from getting married. The game’s marriage system doesn’t discriminate based on your lycanthropic status. Your chosen spouse won’t react negatively to your transformations, and your relationship will remain unaffected. This is because once you’re married, your spouse is essentially part of your “Marriage Faction” – they are unconditionally loyal and accepting of your actions, regardless of how beastly they may be. So, go ahead and embrace your inner wolf without worrying about your marital bliss!
Choosing a Spouse as a Werewolf
While your lycanthropy won’t hinder your marriage prospects, there are still factors to consider when choosing a spouse, especially if you plan on fully embracing the werewolf playstyle. Some spouses offer unique benefits or simply complement the werewolf experience better than others.
Aela the Huntress: The Obvious Choice
Aela the Huntress is often touted as the perfect werewolf spouse for several reasons:
- Companionship: As a member of the Companions, Aela understands the nature of lycanthropy and won’t be fazed by your transformations.
- Werewolf Quests: Aela offers radiant quests that can enhance your werewolf abilities, allowing you to become an even more formidable beast.
- Shared Interests: Aela is a skilled hunter and warrior, making her a fitting partner for a character who embraces their primal instincts.
Other Viable Options
While Aela is a popular choice, many other characters make excellent spouses for a werewolf Dragonborn:
- Mjoll the Lioness: A strong and independent warrior who can provide valuable support on your adventures.
- Lydia: Your loyal housecarl who will always have your back, regardless of your furry form.
- Ysolda: A kind and ambitious merchant who can provide a steady income while you’re out hunting.
Spouses to Avoid (Potentially)
While no spouse is inherently bad for a werewolf character, some might not be the most thematically appropriate:
- Priests/Priestesses: Marrying a devout follower of the Divines might create some narrative dissonance, given the werewolf’s connection to Hircine.
- Characters with Strong Moral Objections: While your spouse won’t leave you, their dialogue might occasionally express disapproval of certain werewolf-related actions (e.g., feeding on corpses).
Benefits of Marriage in Skyrim
Regardless of whether you’re a werewolf, marriage in Skyrim offers several gameplay benefits:
- Home-Cooked Meals: Your spouse will occasionally cook meals for you, providing temporary stat boosts.
- Shared Income: You’ll receive a portion of your spouse’s income regularly.
- A Place to Sleep: You’ll have a comfortable bed to sleep in, providing the “Well Rested” bonus (although werewolves don’t receive this bonus).
- A Shopkeeper: Your spouse can open a shop, generating additional income.
- Companionship: Perhaps the most valuable benefit is having a loyal companion who will travel with you and fight by your side (if you choose to have them as a follower).
Werewolf-Specific Considerations
While marriage doesn’t directly impact your werewolf abilities, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Follower Hostility: While your spouse won’t turn hostile, other followers might when you transform into a werewolf. Be mindful of where and when you transform.
- Disease Immunity: As a werewolf, you are 100% immune to all diseases, including vampirism. This is a significant advantage, as you won’t have to worry about contracting Sanguinare Vampiris and accidentally turning your spouse into a vampire!
- Roleplaying Opportunities: Being a werewolf adds a unique layer to your roleplaying experience. Consider how your lycanthropy affects your interactions with your spouse and other characters.
Overcoming Challenges as a Werewolf in Skyrim
Maintaining Morality and Stability
Balancing the beastial nature of a werewolf with the responsibilities of marriage requires a delicate approach. While your spouse won’t abandon you for your transformations, openly engaging in barbaric behavior, such as feeding on innocent villagers, can create a sense of unease and narrative dissonance. Strive for a balance between embracing your primal instincts and upholding a semblance of moral conduct.
The Role of Hircine in Marriage
A significant aspect of werewolf identity lies in its connection to Hircine, the Daedric Prince of the Hunt. Whether your character views Hircine as a benevolent patron or a malevolent force can greatly influence your marriage. Consider these perspectives:
- Devotion to Hircine: If your character is devoted to Hircine, your marriage might reflect this dedication. Perhaps you and your spouse engage in hunts together, offering sacrifices to Hircine.
- Conflict of Faith: If your spouse is a devout follower of another deity, it could lead to internal conflict for your character and interesting roleplaying opportunities.
- Seeking Redemption: If you desire to reject your werewolf nature, your marriage might serve as an anchor to your humanity, a reminder of the life you’re trying to reclaim.
The Significance of Choice
Ultimately, the decision of whom to marry as a werewolf is a deeply personal one. Skyrim offers a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities, backgrounds, and motivations. Take the time to explore these characters, learn their stories, and consider how they might fit into your character’s life.
Marriage as a Tool for Character Development
Marriage in Skyrim is not merely a gameplay mechanic; it’s an opportunity for character development. Your marriage can shape your character’s worldview, influence their decisions, and provide a source of strength and stability in a dangerous world. Embrace this opportunity to create a rich and compelling narrative for your Dragonborn.
Learning and Gameplay Resources
To further enhance your gaming experience and understand the complexities of character interactions, consider exploring the resources available at the Games Learning Society website. The GamesLearningSociety.org provides valuable insights into how games can foster learning, improve decision-making skills, and enhance critical thinking.
FAQs: Marriage and Werewolves in Skyrim
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about marrying as a werewolf in Skyrim, covering various aspects of the topic:
1. Can I marry Aela the Huntress as a werewolf?
Yes, Aela the Huntress is a popular and fitting spouse for a werewolf character. She’s a member of the Companions and understands lycanthropy.
2. Will my spouse leave me if I turn into a werewolf?
No, your spouse will not leave you if you transform into a werewolf. They are part of your “Marriage Faction” and remain loyal regardless of your actions.
3. Can my spouse become a werewolf?
No, it’s not possible to turn your spouse into a werewolf in the base game.
4. Does being a werewolf affect the marriage quest?
No, being a werewolf does not affect the marriage questline itself. You can proceed with the quest as normal.
5. Are there any vampire marriage candidates in Skyrim?
No, there are no vampire marriage candidates in the base game or expansions. However, a vampire character can marry a werewolf.
6. Can I marry someone of the same sex as a werewolf?
Yes, Skyrim allows for same-sex marriages, and your lycanthropy does not affect this.
7. Can I remarry if my spouse dies as a werewolf?
No, you can only marry once in Skyrim. If your spouse dies, you cannot remarry in the base game.
8. Will my spouse be hostile when I transform?
Your spouse will not become hostile when you transform into a werewolf. However, other followers might.
9. Does being a werewolf affect the benefits of marriage?
Not significantly. You still receive the benefits of home-cooked meals, shared income, and a place to sleep (though werewolves don’t benefit from the “Well Rested” bonus).
10. How do I propose marriage in Skyrim?
You need to acquire the Amulet of Mara in Riften and wear it while speaking to a character who is interested in you.
11. Can I have children as a werewolf in Skyrim?
In the base game, you cannot have biological children. However, you can adopt children after building a home with the Hearthfire DLC.
12. What happens if I become a vampire after getting married as a werewolf?
You can become a vampire after being married as a werewolf. Your spouse will not be affected by your transformation.
13. Are there any negative consequences to marrying as a werewolf?
The only potential negative consequence is the narrative dissonance if your spouse has strong moral objections or is a devout follower of a deity that opposes Hircine.
14. Can I divorce my spouse in Skyrim?
No, there is no way to divorce your spouse in the base game. The only way to end a marriage is by killing your spouse.
15. What is the best race to be a werewolf for marriage?
Race doesn’t significantly impact your marriage prospects. Choose a race that aligns with your preferred playstyle and roleplaying preferences. However, some races have better starting skills for warriors like Nords, Orcs and Redguards.
In conclusion, marriage in Skyrim as a werewolf is not only possible but can also add depth and complexity to your gaming experience. Choose your spouse wisely, embrace your lycanthropic nature, and enjoy the unique challenges and rewards that come with being a married werewolf in the world of Skyrim!