How to Woo Your Way Through Skyrim: A Comprehensive Guide to Romance
So, you’ve landed in Skyrim, a land of dragons, magic, and… apparently, marriage? But the path to marital bliss in the snowy north isn’t always clear. Forget candlelit dinners and whispered sonnets; Skyrim romance is a unique beast. Here’s the straight dope on how to make someone fall in love with you in Skyrim:
The core mechanic revolves around a few key elements: acquiring the Amulet of Mara, completing quests for potential partners, and choosing the right dialogue options. The Amulet of Mara, purchased from Maramal in Riften’s Temple of Mara for 200 gold, signals your intent to wed. Wearing it unlocks special dialogue options with eligible NPCs, giving you the chance to pop the question. However, before you can get down on one knee (metaphorically, of course – there’s no actual kneeling in Skyrim), you’ll usually need to earn their affection by assisting them with a personal quest or general good deed. Essentially, being a helpful hero (or helpful villain, if that’s your style) is the fastest way to a Nord’s heart.
The Amulet of Mara: Your Ticket to Romance
Think of the Amulet of Mara as a billboard screaming, “I’m looking for love (and a spouse)!”. It’s the crucial first step. Without it, the marriage dialogue options simply won’t appear. Find Maramal in the Temple of Mara in Riften. If he’s not there, try The Bee and Barb tavern. Purchase the amulet from him for 200 gold – a small price to pay for eternal (digital) companionship. Once equipped, start chatting with the residents of Skyrim, focusing on those you find particularly appealing.
Acts of Service: Earning Affection the Skyrim Way
While the Amulet opens the door, your actions determine whether someone will walk through it. Skyrim relationships are largely based on transactional affection. Complete quests, retrieve lost items, or simply lend a helping hand. The game keeps track of your good deeds, and certain NPCs become receptive to your advances based on your actions. Keep an eye out for characters who offer you quests or mention needing help with a specific problem. Successfully completing these tasks significantly increases your chances of a successful proposal.
Dialogue is Key: Choosing Your Words Carefully
Once you’ve earned an NPC’s favor and you’re wearing the Amulet of Mara, pay close attention to the dialogue options that appear. The amulet unlocks specific lines, usually along the lines of, “I’m surprised someone like you isn’t married,” or, “Are you interested in me?”. Choosing these options initiates the romance arc. Be direct and express your interest clearly. If the NPC reciprocates, they’ll mention thinking about it or needing time to consider. This is your cue to be patient and avoid overwhelming them.
The Proposal and the Wedding
After completing the necessary quests and initiating the romance dialogue, you’ll finally get the option to propose. The exact wording varies, but it’s usually something like, “I am interested in you. What do you say, will you marry me?”. If they accept (and assuming you’ve completed all prerequisites), they’ll agree to meet you at the Temple of Mara in Riften.
Head back to Maramal at the temple and inform him that you’re ready to get married. He’ll arrange the ceremony, which takes place 24 hours later. Arrive on time, dressed in your finest attire (though your regular armor works fine too), and wait for your betrothed to arrive. After a short ceremony, you’ll be officially married!
Beyond Marriage: The Afterlife of a Skyrim Spouse
Marriage in Skyrim offers practical benefits. Your spouse will move into your home (or one you designate), cook meals (which provide a small buff), and open a shop, providing you with a daily income. They can also serve as a follower, assisting you in your adventures. While there’s no “honeymoon” phase, you can show your affection by giving them gifts. Remember, though, that your spouse is still vulnerable to the dangers of Skyrim. Protect them from harm, or you might find yourself a widower (or widow) sooner than expected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I marry anyone in Skyrim?
No. While there’s a diverse cast of characters, only specific NPCs are flagged as marriage candidates. These are often followers or individuals you’ve helped through quests. Jarls, children, and certain story-critical characters are generally off-limits.
2. Is there a gender or race restriction on marriage?
Absolutely not! Love knows no bounds in Skyrim. You can marry anyone regardless of your or their gender or race. A Nord can marry a Khajiit, a male Orc can marry a male Elf, and so on.
3. How do I know if someone is marriageable?
The easiest way is to equip the Amulet of Mara and talk to them. If they are eligible, new dialogue options related to marriage will appear. You can also consult online resources for a list of marriageable NPCs.
4. What quests do I need to complete to marry someone?
This varies from character to character. Some require completing their personal questline, while others only require a simple favor. Pay attention to their dialogue and be willing to help them with their problems.
5. Can I marry Serana, the vampire from the Dawnguard DLC?
Sadly, no. Despite her compelling character, Serana is not a marriage option, even if you’re a vampire yourself.
6. Can I have multiple spouses in Skyrim?
No. Skyrim only allows for one spouse at a time. Even if your spouse dies (or meets an unfortunate “accident”), you cannot remarry in the vanilla game without using console commands.
7. What happens if my spouse dies?
You’ll inherit their shop and any remaining belongings. However, you won’t be able to remarry without resorting to console commands or mods.
8. Can my spouse divorce me?
No. Divorce is not an option in Skyrim. Once you’re married, you’re committed for life (or until death do you part).
9. Can I marry a Jarl?
Unfortunately, no. While you might develop a close relationship with some Jarls, they are not marriageable NPCs. Notably, you cannot marry Jarl Balgruuf.
10. What are the benefits of marriage in Skyrim?
Your spouse will cook for you (providing a temporary buff), open a shop (generating daily income), and can become a follower, assisting you in combat. They also provide a sense of companionship (however rudimentary that may be in a video game).
11. Can I turn my spouse into a vampire?
Yes, but only if you have the Dawnguard DLC and choose to become a vampire lord. You can then infect your spouse, turning them into a vampire.
12. Where is the Temple of Mara located?
The Temple of Mara is located in Riften. It’s a large, easily recognizable building near the center of the city.
13. Can I have children in Skyrim?
Not biologically. The base game doesn’t allow you to have biological children. However, you can adopt children from Honorhall Orphanage in Riften after completing a certain quest.
14. Is there a “best” spouse in Skyrim?
That depends entirely on your preferences! Aela the Huntress is a popular choice due to her skills as a warrior and her strong personality. Others prefer someone like Mjoll the Lioness for her unwavering commitment to justice. Ultimately, the “best” spouse is the one you connect with the most.
15. Are there mods that enhance the marriage system in Skyrim?
Absolutely! The Skyrim modding community is vast and creative. There are numerous mods that expand the marriage options, add new dialogue, allow for multiple spouses, introduce divorce options, and even allow you to have children biologically. Be sure to research reputable mods before installing them.
Skyrim’s marriage system is a quirky but enjoyable aspect of the game. While it might lack the depth and nuance of real-world relationships, it offers a unique way to connect with the world and its inhabitants. So, grab that Amulet of Mara, complete some quests, and find your soulmate in the land of dragons! Perhaps research the impact of games like Skyrim on learning at the Games Learning Society, GamesLearningSociety.org.