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How Many Wives Can You Have in Mount and Blade?

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In the world of Mount and Blade, both in Warband and Bannerlord, the answer is definitively one. The game mechanics are rooted in a medieval setting, and therefore enforce a monogamous relationship structure. Forget any dreams of a harem; you’re stuck with one spouse for better or for worse. (Mostly for worse, if her family decides they don’t like you.)

Marriage in Mount and Blade: A Deep Dive

Marriage is a crucial element in both Mount and Blade: Warband and its sequel, Bannerlord, albeit with some key differences. In Warband, marriage primarily serves to solidify alliances with other lords and improve your standing within a faction. In Bannerlord, it gains even greater importance due to the introduction of the inheritance system. Your spouse can provide heirs, ensuring the continuation of your clan and your hard-earned kingdom.

The Sticking Point: Monogamy

The limitation to a single spouse is hard-coded into the game. There are no hidden mechanics, console commands (outside of potentially game-breaking modding), or clever loopholes to bypass this. Once you’ve exchanged vows, you’re committed. Think of it as a medieval version of a prenuptial agreement… without the option of a divorce lawyer.

Consequences of Marrying

Choosing a spouse comes with a set of consequences you should be aware of:

Relationship with their Clan: Marrying into a clan will invariably improve your relations with them. This can be invaluable for political maneuvering, gaining access to troops, and securing fiefs.
Possible Conflicts: If your wife’s clan has ongoing feuds, you’re now part of them. Be prepared to defend your in-laws from rivals!
Children and Inheritance (Bannerlord): The most significant consequence in Bannerlord is the prospect of offspring. These children will eventually grow up, become companions, and, most importantly, inherit your character’s legacy when they die.
Steward Skills: Marrying someone with high steward skills can benefit your party or settlement with bonuses like increased wage efficiency and prosperity.

Ending a Marriage (and Why It’s Difficult)

While technically there is no “divorce” feature implemented, you could always engineer your spouse’s demise through console commands or other means. The game doesn’t explicitly provide a legal separation. In Bannerlord, one drastic method some players use involves declaring war on a faction holding their wife, allowing her to be captured. The cruelest approach is then executing her, though this has severe relationship and honor repercussions. Understand this is not an intended game mechanic, and impacts your character’s standing in the game world.

The Importance of Choosing Wisely

Given the permanence of marriage and the lack of legal recourse for a change of heart, it’s essential to choose your spouse carefully. Consider their skills, their clan’s standing, and their potential to provide heirs (in Bannerlord). A hasty marriage can lead to long-term political and strategic headaches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Marriage in Mount and Blade

Here are some frequently asked questions that will help you navigate the complexities of marriage in Mount and Blade:

Can you marry Rhagaea in Bannerlord? No, you cannot marry Rhagaea, the leader of the Southern Empire. However, you can marry her daughter and heir-apparent, Ira, which might be a more strategic choice for long-term power.
Who are the best women to marry in Bannerlord? The “best” wife is subjective and depends on your priorities. However, some popular choices known for their stewardship skills include Siga, Nadea, Corein, Svana, Liena, Arwa, Abagai, and Silvind. Consider their stats and clan affiliations when making your decision.
Can you marry faction leaders in Bannerlord? Yes, you most certainly can marry faction leaders in Bannerlord, as long as they are unmarried and willing to accept your proposal. This can provide significant political advantages.
How do I find potential spouses in Bannerlord? Use the in-game encyclopedia to search for unmarried female characters. The encyclopedia provides information about their location, clan, and skills.
Why can’t I marry Corein in Bannerlord? Ensure that Corein is unmarried and that you have spoken to her directly and passed the dialogue checks. You also need to obtain permission from Caladog, her father. Simply giving money in a barter will not trigger the marriage.
Can my wife get pregnant in Bannerlord? Yes, your wife can get pregnant in Bannerlord. The chances of pregnancy increase when you and your wife are staying in a town or castle. While it’s possible while traveling, it’s far less likely.
Can you divorce in Bannerlord? No, there is no official divorce mechanic in Bannerlord. The only way to end a marriage is through extreme measures like executing your spouse via console commands, which comes with severe consequences.
Is marriage important in Bannerlord? Yes, marriage is extremely important in Bannerlord, especially for ensuring the continuation of your clan. Having children guarantees that you have an heir to take over when your main character dies.
Can I marry off companions in Bannerlord 2? No, you cannot directly marry off your companions. However, you can make them lords, and they may eventually marry on their own as they establish their own clans.
How much money do you need to marry someone in Bannerlord? The amount of money required for marriage varies depending on your relationship with the character and their clan. Charming the person beforehand can significantly reduce the cost, potentially ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 denarii. Without charm, expect to pay upwards of 10,000 denarii.
Why is my wife not getting pregnant in Bannerlord 2? Pregnancy checks happen more frequently when you and your wife are in a settlement. Ensure your wife isn’t too old (over 45) as fertility decreases with age. Also, confirm that your game settings allow for children to be born.
How do I propose marriage in Bannerlord? Locate your desired partner via the encyclopedia and find their location. Then, speak to their father or clan leader and choose the dialogue option indicating your interest in a marriage alliance between your clans.
Can you have children in Warband? No, you cannot have children in Mount and Blade: Warband. The marriage system is primarily for political alliances and doesn’t include the inheritance mechanics introduced in Bannerlord.
Can you marry a claimant in Mount and Blade Warband? Yes, it is possible to marry female claimants such as Lady Isolla of Suno or Arwa the Pearled One in Mount and Blade: Warband. This can significantly boost your claim to the throne.
What happens if my wife dies in Bannerlord? If your wife dies in Bannerlord without producing an heir, your game will end when your character dies, as there will be no one to inherit your clan and kingdom. Therefore, protecting your spouse and ensuring succession is crucial.

Ultimately, while the prospect of multiple wives might seem enticing in the vast world of Calradia, both Mount and Blade: Warband and Bannerlord hold true to a monogamous system. Choosing your spouse wisely, considering their skills, clan, and potential for producing heirs (in Bannerlord), is a strategic decision that will impact your gameplay significantly.

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