Can You Marry in Elder Scrolls Online? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, you absolutely can get married in Elder Scrolls Online (ESO)! This feature, known as the Ritual of Mara, allows players to form a unique bond with another player character, offering gameplay benefits and solidifying their in-game relationship.
The Ritual of Mara: A Bond Forged in Tamriel
The Ritual of Mara isn’t just a cosmetic feature; it provides tangible benefits to you and your spouse. This binding ritual has been a part of the game since its initial release, and while the core mechanics have remained consistent, it’s a system that many new and returning players often have questions about. Let’s delve into the details of how this system works.
How to Get Married in ESO
The process of getting married in ESO involves a few key steps:
- Acquire the Pledge of Mara: This crucial item is available for purchase from the Crown Store. One player must purchase the Pledge of Mara, as it is the item used to propose marriage.
- Decide on Your Spouse: This is probably the most important step! You can only marry one character per character in ESO, so choose wisely. Marriage is account-wide, meaning that your married status will affect that specific character regardless of what server or campaign you are on.
- Use the Pledge of Mara Near Your Intended: Once you have chosen your partner, you must use the Pledge of Mara near your intended spouse. This will prompt a notification on their screen asking if they accept.
- Confirmation and Bonding: If your partner accepts your proposal, the Pledge of Mara will be consumed, and both characters will receive the Bands of Mara. These rings symbolize your union and provide the gameplay bonuses.
Benefits of Marriage: The Bonds of Mara
So, why get married in ESO? The Bands of Mara are more than just symbolic trinkets; they offer a significant experience point (XP) bonus when playing together.
- Increased XP Gain: When you are grouped with your spouse and playing within a certain proximity, you will receive a 10% XP boost. This makes leveling new characters or grinding for Champion Points much faster.
- Shared Adventures: More than just the XP boost, the Ritual of Mara is about sharing the vast and diverse world of Tamriel with someone special. You and your spouse can explore dungeons, complete quests, and participate in PvP battles together, strengthening your bond both in-game and potentially in real life (for some players).
- Roleplaying Opportunities: For those who enjoy roleplaying, the Ritual of Mara provides a rich backdrop for creating deeper character narratives and storylines.
Things to Consider Before Getting Married
While the benefits of marriage are appealing, it’s important to consider a few things before tying the knot in Tamriel:
- Commitment: Marriage in ESO is a commitment between two players. While there’s no formal divorce mechanic (more on that later), the bond remains unless one of the characters is deleted.
- Shared Gameplay: The XP bonus is only active when you are playing together. If you and your spouse have significantly different playstyles or schedules, the benefit might not be as substantial.
- Cost: The Pledge of Mara costs Crowns, ESO’s premium currency. Be sure you’re prepared to spend the Crowns before proposing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Marriage in ESO
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about marriage in Elder Scrolls Online, covering everything from the specifics of the Ritual of Mara to the potential for divorce and beyond:
1. How much does the Pledge of Mara cost in the Crown Store?
The Pledge of Mara is generally priced around 1,000 Crowns. Keep an eye out for sales, as it might be available at a discounted price during special events.
2. Can I marry an NPC in ESO?
No, you cannot marry a non-player character (NPC) in Elder Scrolls Online. The Ritual of Mara is strictly for player-to-player marriages.
3. Can I have multiple spouses on one character?
No, you can only have one spouse per character in ESO. Once you’ve married another player character, you cannot marry anyone else with that character unless you delete the character entirely (which removes the married status).
4. What happens to the marriage if one player stops playing ESO?
The marriage remains intact even if one player stops playing. The XP bonus will only be active when you are both online and grouped together, but the Rings of Mara will still be in your inventory and equipped, symbolizing the bond.
5. Is there a “divorce” mechanic in ESO?
While there’s no formal divorce system, the only way to effectively dissolve the marriage bond is to delete the character that is married. This is a permanent solution, so consider carefully before taking this step.
6. Does the XP bonus from the Rings of Mara stack with other XP boosts?
Yes, the XP bonus from the Rings of Mara stacks with other XP bonuses, such as those from scrolls, events, or ESO Plus membership. This can lead to significant XP gains when combined strategically.
7. Can I marry someone from a different alliance?
Yes, you can marry someone from a different alliance in ESO. The Ritual of Mara is not restricted by alliance affiliation.
8. Do both players need to be online when the Pledge of Mara is used?
Yes, both players must be online and present in the same in-game location when the Pledge of Mara is used to initiate the marriage.
9. Is there a quest associated with the Ritual of Mara?
No, there is no quest directly associated with the Ritual of Mara. The process is simply a matter of purchasing the Pledge of Mara and using it near your intended spouse.
10. Can I marry someone of the same sex in ESO?
Yes, you can marry someone of the same sex in Elder Scrolls Online. The Ritual of Mara is not restricted by gender.
11. What happens to the Rings of Mara if I delete my character?
If you delete your character, the Rings of Mara are lost. However, they can be reacquired by marrying another player on a different character.
12. Can I see my spouse’s location on the map?
No, the Ritual of Mara does not provide any special map tracking abilities to see your spouse’s location. You’ll need to rely on traditional methods like grouping and using in-game communication.
13. Does marriage in ESO have any impact on housing or guild affiliations?
No, the marriage in ESO does not affect housing (you don’t automatically share houses) or guild affiliations. You and your spouse can still maintain separate homes and be members of different guilds.
14. Can I trade the Rings of Mara to other players?
No, the Rings of Mara are bound to the characters who are married and cannot be traded to other players.
15. Is there a limit to how often the Pledge of Mara can be used?
The Pledge of Mara is a consumable item, so once it’s used, it’s gone. You’ll need to purchase another one from the Crown Store if you wish to marry another character (on a different character of yours, assuming your first character marriage has ended via character deletion). There is no limit to how many times you can purchase and use it across your account, as long as you adhere to the “one spouse per character” rule.
In conclusion, getting married in Elder Scrolls Online is a fun and rewarding experience, offering a unique bond and gameplay benefits. Just be sure to consider the commitment and shared gameplay opportunities before taking the plunge. Happy adventuring, and may your marriage in Tamriel be long and prosperous!