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Is Torvar a Good Husband in Skyrim? A Deep Dive

Torvar, the Nord warrior from the Companions in Whiterun, presents an interesting, albeit complex, option for marriage in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Is he a “good” husband? The answer is: it depends. Torvar is a loyal follower and a capable warrior, offering protection and assistance on your adventures. However, his personality is somewhat bland and he doesn’t offer unique benefits like some other spouses. Whether he’s the right choice for you depends on your priorities and play style. Consider his strengths and weaknesses carefully before slipping that Amulet of Mara on him.

Understanding Torvar: A Companion’s Companion

Before deciding if Torvar is marriage material, let’s delve deeper into who he is. Torvar is a relatively new member of the Companions, residing in Jorrvaskr. He’s a typical Nord warrior – eager for battle, fond of mead, and somewhat simple in his thinking. His skills lean towards combat, specializing in One-Handed, Heavy Armor, Archery, and Block. He’s a reliable follower, meaning he’ll carry your burdens (literally!) and fight alongside you without complaint.

However, he lacks the unique personality quirks or special abilities that make some other spouses more appealing. He doesn’t have a compelling backstory, nor does he offer particularly lucrative shopkeeping skills. His primary value lies in his combat prowess and unwavering loyalty. While he is initially friendly, some players report that he can become somewhat jealous as the Dragonborn surpasses him in the Companions’ ranks.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

To make an informed decision, consider these key advantages and disadvantages of marrying Torvar:

Pros:

Reliable Combatant: Torvar is a capable fighter, useful for players who need a strong melee companion.
Loyal Follower: He will faithfully follow you and aid you in battle.
Available Early: As a member of the Companions, he becomes available relatively early in the game.
Potential for a Warm Home: He will provide the “Lover’s Comfort” bonus when you sleep in the same house.
Free Meals: He’ll cook you one meal a day.

Cons:

Bland Personality: Torvar lacks the unique personality traits of some other marriage candidates.
No Unique Benefits: He doesn’t offer any special skills or unique bonuses as a spouse.
Potential Jealousy: Some players have reported that Torvar can become jealous as the Dragonborn’s power grows.
Limited Dialogue: His dialogue options are somewhat limited.
Lack of Shop: He won’t open a shop for you, impacting daily earnings.

Compatibility Considerations

Ultimately, deciding whether Torvar is a good husband depends on your character’s personality and priorities. He’s a good fit for players who:

Prioritize combat prowess and loyalty in a spouse.
Don’t need a spouse with a complex backstory or unique skills.
Want an easily accessible marriage candidate early in the game.
Are playing a character who values a straightforward, no-nonsense partner.
Don’t mind a spouse who might occasionally express a little jealousy.

He might not be the best choice for players who:

Seek a spouse with a rich backstory or engaging personality.
Need a spouse who can provide significant financial benefits.
Prefer a spouse with unique skills or abilities.
Are playing a character who values intellectual stimulation or philosophical discussions.

The Path to Marrying Torvar

If you’ve decided Torvar is the right Nord for you, here’s how to make him your spouse:

Join the Companions: Begin by joining the Companions in Jorrvaskr, Whiterun.
Complete the Companions Questline: You must complete the entire Companions questline, culminating in the “Glory of the Dead” quest.
Obtain an Amulet of Mara: Purchase an Amulet of Mara from Maramal in the Temple of Mara in Riften. You may need to complete his questline first.
Speak to Torvar: Equip the Amulet of Mara and speak to Torvar. If he is amenable, he will mention his interest in you.
Arrange the Wedding: Return to Maramal in the Temple of Mara and tell him you wish to get married. He will arrange the wedding for the next day.
Attend the Wedding: Be present at the Temple of Mara the following day for your wedding ceremony. Congratulations, you are now married to Torvar!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Torvar as a Husband

1. Does Torvar offer any unique benefits as a husband?

No, Torvar doesn’t offer any unique benefits besides being a strong warrior and follower. He doesn’t have a special shop, skill training, or unique dialogue options that set him apart from other spouses.

2. Can Torvar die?

Yes, Torvar can die. Like other followers, he is vulnerable to enemy attacks and can be killed if his health is depleted. Keep him well-equipped and healed to prevent his demise.

3. Does Torvar have any special dialogue after marriage?

Torvar’s dialogue after marriage is fairly generic. He’ll express his affection and offer to cook meals for you. He doesn’t have any unique or particularly insightful conversations.

4. Is Torvar a good choice for a mage character?

While Torvar is a strong warrior, he may not be the best choice for a mage character. His skills are focused on melee combat, and he won’t provide any magical support. A spouse with magical abilities might be more beneficial for a mage.

5. Does Torvar get jealous if I spend time with other followers?

Some players have reported that Torvar can become jealous if the Dragonborn surpasses him in the Companions’ ranks, but there is no definitive confirmation that he gets jealous of other followers.

6. Can I cure Torvar of his werewolfism after marrying him?

You cannot cure Torvar of his werewolfism after the Companions questline. The option to cure werewolves is only available during and immediately after completing the questline.

7. Where does Torvar live after we get married?

Torvar will move into whatever house you own in Skyrim. You can choose which house you want him to reside in.

8. Can I make Torvar a steward for my Hearthfire homes?

Yes, after the Dragonborn DLC, Torvar can be made a steward for your Hearthfire homes. This allows him to manage the property and hire other NPCs.

9. Is Torvar considered an essential character?

No, Torvar is not an essential character after you completed the Companions questline. That means, once he is following you, he can die. So be careful when you are fighting, or he will not be there when you turn around.

10. How does Torvar compare to other marriage candidates in the Companions?

Compared to other marriage candidates in the Companions, such as Aela the Huntress, Farkas, and Vilkas, Torvar is generally considered less interesting. Aela offers unique skills and a more compelling personality, while Farkas and Vilkas have deeper backstories and combat expertise.

11. Is Torvar a good choice for a first-time player?

Torvar can be a good choice for a first-time player seeking a straightforward and reliable spouse who is easily accessible early in the game.

12. Does Torvar have any unique interactions with other NPCs?

No, Torvar doesn’t have any unique interactions with other NPCs that are specific to him.

13. What are Torvar’s stats?

Torvar’s initial stats are balanced for a warrior, and he gains levels along with the player after becoming a follower. His skills focus on combat, with expertise in One-Handed, Heavy Armor, Archery, and Block.

14. Can I divorce Torvar in Skyrim?

Without using console commands (PC only) or mods, you cannot divorce Torvar in Skyrim. Marriage is a permanent commitment.

15. Is there an ideal race or class to pair with Torvar?

Torvar can be a suitable partner for any race or class, but he is particularly well-suited for characters who benefit from a strong melee companion. A warrior or rogue character might find his combat skills especially valuable.

Final Verdict

Torvar is a decent, if somewhat unremarkable, husband in Skyrim. He offers loyalty, combat prowess, and the basic benefits of marriage. However, if you seek a spouse with a rich backstory, unique skills, or a more engaging personality, you might want to consider other options. Ultimately, the choice is yours, Dragonborn. Choose wisely!

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Is Torvar a good husband?