Can You Marry Ymira in Mount and Blade? A Deep Dive into Warband’s Quirks

The short answer is a complicated “maybe, but mostly no.” In the base game of Mount & Blade: Warband, specifically the “Native” module, marrying the companion Ymira as a male character is not intended and is, in effect, a bug. It’s a quirky artifact of the game’s code, not a designed feature. However, the Mount & Blade community, ever resourceful, has found ways around this limitation, although these methods come with caveats. Let’s delve into the specifics.

The Native Conundrum: Ymira and Gender Bending

In the original Warband “Native” module, the game’s marriage mechanics are rather straightforward (or so they seem). Male player characters can court and marry eligible noblewomen to secure alliances, gain right to rule, and generally improve their standing in Calradia. Female player characters, on the other hand, should theoretically be able to marry male vassals.

Ymira, however, throws a wrench into this system. She is designed as a companion, not an eligible marriage candidate for male players. The game’s code doesn’t properly account for same-sex marriage (remember, this is a game from 2010), and the possibility of a female companion being courted by a male player was likely overlooked.

This oversight leads to the infamous “bug” that allows male players to marry her if they engage in some rather drastic measures:

• Gender Flipping via Save Editor: The most common (and convoluted) method involves using a save editor to temporarily change your character’s gender to female. This allows you to initiate the marriage dialogue with Ymira. After the marriage, you then flip your gender back to male using the save editor.

• The Drawbacks: This method is far from ideal. The dialogue after the marriage will be nonsensical, as the game still recognizes Ymira as a female companion and your character as male, despite the marriage. Furthermore, it can introduce unpredictable glitches and instabilities into your save game. It’s a risky endeavor best reserved for those willing to potentially sacrifice their save for the sake of novelty.

Modding to the Rescue: Expanding Marital Horizons

Fortunately, the Mount & Blade community is teeming with talented modders who have addressed this limitation, among others. Many popular Warband mods offer expanded marriage options, including the ability to marry companions regardless of gender.

• Important Note: These mods are not save-compatible with the vanilla game. You’ll need to start a new game under the mod to access these features.

• Research is Key: Before diving into a mod, thoroughly research its features and compatibility. Some mods are more stable and well-maintained than others. Read reviews, watch gameplay videos, and consult the mod’s documentation to ensure it aligns with your desired gameplay experience.

Bannerlord and Beyond: A More Refined (But Still Limited) System

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord has refined the marriage system considerably, but it still has limitations. While the game doesn’t have the same gender-bending glitches as its predecessor, you still cannot marry a companion directly.

• Granting Fiefs and Clan Independence: The workaround in Bannerlord involves granting a fief to a companion, effectively making them a vassal and forming their own clan. Once they are an independent clan leader, they become eligible for marriage. Theoretically, if you are a female player, you could then marry that companion, but this isn’t a particularly common scenario.

• Focus on Strategic Marriages: Bannerlord places a greater emphasis on the strategic aspects of marriage. Marrying characters with strong skills in stewardship, leadership, or medicine can significantly benefit your clan.

A Final Word on Ymira and Marital Bliss

While the prospect of marrying Ymira in the original Mount & Blade: Warband holds a certain appeal due to its glitchy nature, it’s ultimately a flawed and unsatisfying experience. The dialogue is broken, and the game wasn’t designed to support this type of relationship. Mods offer a more stable and immersive solution for those seeking expanded marriage options. In Bannerlord, the system is more refined, but still doesn’t allow you to marry companions directly, without making them an independent clan first.

Regardless of which game you’re playing, remember that marriage is a significant decision in Mount & Blade. Choose wisely, and may your reign be prosperous!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you marry a companion in Mount and Blade Warband without mods?

Technically, yes, but only via a bug involving the save editor to temporarily change your character’s gender. This is not a recommended or stable method.

2. What happens if I marry Ymira using the save editor trick?

The dialogue will be broken and make little sense, as the game doesn’t properly recognize the marriage. Expect glitches and potential instability in your save game.

3. Are there mods that allow me to marry companions of any gender in Warband?

Yes. Many Warband mods expand marriage options, allowing you to marry companions regardless of gender. Popular mods include Floris, Prophesy of Pendor, and Native Expansion.

4. Will my existing Warband save work with these mods?

No. Mods are typically not save-compatible with the vanilla game. You’ll need to start a new game under the mod.

5. Can you marry companions in Mount and Blade Bannerlord?

No, not directly. You need to grant them a fief, making them an independent clan leader, and then, potentially, marry them as a female character.

6. Can you marry a kingdom leader (like Rhagaea) in Bannerlord?

No. You cannot marry faction leaders or clan leaders in Bannerlord. The game restricts marriages to characters of lower status.

7. How many wives can you have in Mount and Blade?

Only one. Polygamy is not a feature in either Warband or Bannerlord.

8. What are the benefits of marriage in Mount and Blade Warband?

Marriage in Warband primarily increases your right to rule, making it easier to gain recognition as a legitimate ruler. It can also improve relations with lords and provide opportunities for feasts and alliances.

9. What are the benefits of marriage in Mount and Blade Bannerlord?

In Bannerlord, marriage is crucial for securing the future of your clan. It allows you to have children, ensuring that your clan continues after your character’s death. Marriage also brings strategic advantages, such as access to skilled characters who can serve as governors or party leaders.

10. Can you divorce your spouse in Bannerlord?

Not through normal gameplay mechanics. The only (albeit drastic) method is to use console commands to imprison and then execute your spouse. This comes with significant reputation penalties.

11. How do you have children in Bannerlord?

You need to spend time with your spouse in a town or castle. Pregnancy checks occur periodically when you are in a settled location. Your wife can become pregnant even while traveling, but the chance is low.

12. Who is the best wife in Bannerlord?

This is subjective and depends on your priorities. However, common recommendations include Liena (for her excellent stewardship and leadership skills), Siga, Arwa, and Nadea.

13. Is marriage important in Bannerlord?

Yes, absolutely. Having children is essential for the long-term survival of your clan, as you’ll need an heir to continue playing after your main character dies.

14. Can my wife die in Warband?

No. Your wife is effectively immortal in Warband. She cannot die, even in battle.

15. What are the best companions in Bannerlord to marry?

The best companions to marry in Bannerlord are those with strong skills, especially in stewardship, leadership, and medicine. Sora is often mentioned for her high Steward Skill.