How To Find Love in Skyrim: A Comprehensive Guide
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Finding love in the harsh, dragon-filled landscape of Skyrim might seem like a quest in itself, but it’s surprisingly straightforward. The key to unlocking romance and marriage in this epic RPG lies in a particular piece of jewelry and a bit of relationship building. Here’s your comprehensive guide to finding a lover in Skyrim.
The Amulet of Mara: Your Key to Romance
The most important step in finding a lover in Skyrim is acquiring and equipping the Amulet of Mara. This amulet is your signal to the eligible bachelors and bachelorettes of Skyrim that you are ready to commit. You can obtain the Amulet of Mara from Maramal, a priest of Mara, who is usually found in Riften. He often frequents the Bee and Barb tavern. Once you have the amulet, equip it. This will unlock special dialogue options with potential partners throughout the game. Without it, romance won’t even be a possibility.
Building Relationships: Earning Affection
Simply wearing the amulet isn’t enough; you also need to build rapport with your potential paramours. Many characters in Skyrim have personal quests or favors they require assistance with. Completing these quests is a crucial step in earning their affection. Generally, helping people out and being a force for good will make you more appealing to potential spouses. Once you’ve completed their associated quest, you can start getting more romantic, as their dialogue will reflect your growing bond.
Proposing Marriage
After you’ve completed a quest for someone while wearing the Amulet of Mara, and they have shown interest in you through dialogue (they’ll usually comment on your amulet), you can ask them directly if they are interested in you. A successful proposal will be acknowledged by their agreement to marry you. At this stage, you will need to return to Riften and attend your marriage ceremony in the Temple of Mara.
Marrying in Riften
Once you have a proposal accepted you will need to talk to Maramal again to arrange the wedding ceremony. After paying a modest fee for the arrangement the ceremony will occur with all those who you met along your journey. After the ceremony, your new spouse will move in with you, wherever you call home. They may also accompany you on adventures or become a merchant selling goods from your home.
Who Are Your Options?
There are approximately 65 different NPCs available for marriage in Skyrim. These range from fierce warriors to scholarly mages and everything in between. It’s not just about picking the most attractive character, but also considering what personality you might find compatible with your playstyle. Below are a few popular choices.
Top Marriage Options
- Aela the Huntress: A strong and skilled warrior, she’s a popular choice for players who appreciate a strong, independent companion.
- Muiri: Known for her intriguing story and location in Markarth, she’s a favorite amongst players looking for a darker edge to their relationship.
- Mjol the Lioness: A noble and honorable warrior, Mjoll is an excellent choice for players who want a loyal and courageous spouse.
- Farkas or Vilkas: Twin members of the Companions, these brothers offer a great option for players seeking a powerful warrior by their side.
- Argis the Bulwark: A loyal and tough housecarl, Argis makes an excellent choice for those wanting a dependable partner.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
1. How do I start a romance in Skyrim?
You start a romance by equipping the Amulet of Mara and completing a quest or favor for an NPC you are interested in. This opens up the dialogue option for marriage.
2. Can I flirt with characters in Skyrim?
There isn’t a complex flirting mechanic in Skyrim. Romance is primarily based on completing quests and showing your good nature, which leads to the marriage proposal. The Amulet acts as a sort of “signal” that you’re available.
3. Do I have to buy the Amulet of Mara?
Yes, you need to purchase the Amulet of Mara from Maramal in Riften to unlock marriage options.
4. Can I marry any NPC in Skyrim?
No, only specific NPCs are marriageable. They will have a dialogue option to that effect if you have gained enough favor with them.
5. How many wives or husbands can I have?
You can only have one spouse in Skyrim. It’s a lifetime commitment within the game.
6. Can I remarry if my spouse dies?
Unfortunately, no. Once your spouse dies, you cannot remarry in the game.
7. Are there any benefits to getting married in Skyrim?
Yes, marrying in Skyrim provides several benefits including a place to sleep, daily income through your spouse’s shop, and a partner who can accompany you on adventures. You’ll also have a place to cook if your house has a cooking pot.
8. Can you marry a Jarl or a housecarl?
No, you cannot marry Jarls or most housecarls in Skyrim (however Irileth is an exception). Most of them are not available as marriage options.
9. Can you have kids in Skyrim?
In the vanilla game, you cannot have biological children. You can only adopt children, and they’re human. There are mods to alter this however.
10. Is it possible to divorce in Skyrim?
No, there is no in-game mechanic to divorce your spouse. Once you’re married, you’re married for life. The only way to “undo” the marriage is to kill the spouse.
11. Can you sleep in the same bed as your spouse?
Yes, you can sleep in the same bed as your spouse. They’ll simply get into bed beside you.
12. Can I marry a follower?
Yes, many followers in Skyrim are available for marriage, but first you will need to complete a quest related to them before marriage is an option. Examples include Aela, Jenassa, and Marcurio.
13. What is the best marriage option in Skyrim?
That depends on your preference. Some players prefer a warrior like Aela or Mjoll, while others go for the more mysterious like Muiri. There is no single “best” option as it is subjective.
14. Can you marry Aranea or Illia in Skyrim?
Yes, both Aranea and Illia are marriage options in the PC version with the use of console commands.
15. Who is the best character in Skyrim to marry for daily income?
Many spouses will give you a small income after you marry them from their store. Ysolda is a good choice as she has the goal of owning her own shop and brings in a decent income.
Conclusion
Finding a lover in Skyrim is a journey that requires you to wear the Amulet of Mara and complete certain quests. While the game doesn’t have complex dating mechanics, it rewards players who build meaningful relationships with its diverse cast of characters. Choose wisely, complete those quests, and you’ll find a spouse that’s the perfect fit for your Dragonborn.