The Forging of a Bond: Unpacking the Benefits of Marrying Balimund in Skyrim
What are the benefits of marrying Balimund in Skyrim? This is a question many Dragonborn ponder as they navigate the bustling world of Skyrim, seeking not just adventure, but also companionship and a stable home. Marrying Balimund, the master blacksmith of Riften, offers a unique blend of practical advantages and role-playing possibilities. First and foremost, by marrying Balimund, you gain access to his blacksmithing expertise, essentially providing you with an ongoing, free training resource. He’s not just a spouse; he’s an on-demand mentor in the art of metalworking. This translates directly to improving your Smithing skill, allowing you to craft better weapons and armor for your adventures. Furthermore, you will have access to his inventory, including a wide range of crafting materials, which can be a massive convenience as you explore and combat your way across Skyrim. Marrying Balimund doesn’t just offer material benefits, though; his reliable and hardworking nature provides a sense of stability. Beyond the financial perks, marrying him grants you access to the standard marriage benefits found in Skyrim such as a daily 100 gold and a home-cooked meal. This might seem minor compared to the access to his craft, however, this extra income does add up over the long run. Overall, marrying Balimund offers a compelling blend of tangible benefits, and a solid role-playing experience for players interested in crafting, a simpler life, or even a potential power-couple of smithing and adventuring.
Why Choose Balimund? The Specific Advantages
Access to Blacksmithing Expertise
Balimund’s most significant advantage is undoubtedly his status as a master blacksmith. Marrying him means you have consistent access to a skilled tutor. While you can’t directly train via dialogue, his presence and access to his forge and equipment can help improve your skills. You can observe him at work, gaining insights, and the constant availability of a forge means you’ll be crafting more frequently, which boosts your smithing skill. His expertise also manifests in the quality of goods that are available in his inventory.
Inventory Access and Crafting Resources
One of the primary practical benefits is the availability of his stock of blacksmithing materials. After marriage, you gain direct access to his inventory, which usually includes a steady supply of iron ingots, leather, and other essential components needed for crafting. This saves you time and septims, as you don’t need to constantly buy materials from merchants. The convenience of having a consistent supply of materials right there at home should not be overlooked. You can now build and upgrade your weapons and armor without having to hunt down resources.
Financial Stability and Basic Marriage Bonuses
While not a shopkeeper, Balimund provides the typical marriage benefits. This includes receiving a daily allowance of 100 gold upon request and a meal prepared by your spouse. While this isn’t a huge sum, it’s a dependable supplemental income that can add up. Especially in early game, this 100 gold a day can be a very big deal. Furthermore, the convenience of a free home-cooked meal once a day can be a useful source of restoring health. These benefits may seem small compared to the blacksmithing benefits, but they add to the overall package of marrying Balimund.
Stable and Dependable Character
Beyond the tangible benefits, Balimund is a dependable character. He’s not prone to outbursts and is a stable presence in your life. If you prefer a partner who focuses on his work rather than drama, Balimund is an ideal spouse. His personality makes for a comfortable home environment. He’s the quintessential hardworking tradesman who appreciates a quiet and fulfilling life.
Role-Playing Opportunities
For players who enjoy role-playing as a craftsman or someone who appreciates the practicality of smithing, marrying Balimund provides a cohesive storyline. It makes sense that a player character who desires to improve at smithing would want to align themselves with a master of the craft. This adds an extra layer of engagement to your Skyrim playthrough.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Marrying Balimund
1. Can Balimund teach me Smithing directly?
While Balimund’s presence will greatly help you improve your Smithing, he will not train you directly via dialogue. His role in your smithing will come through the practical availability of his forge, and his inventory, allowing you more consistent practice.
2. Does Balimund offer any unique benefits besides the standard marriage ones?
Yes. Beyond the standard benefits of a daily allowance of 100 gold and a home-cooked meal, Balimund offers consistent access to his inventory of crafting materials and the ability to benefit from his blacksmithing expertise through regular crafting at his forge.
3. Is it easy to marry Balimund?
Yes, Balimund is one of the easier characters to marry in Skyrim. You usually need to complete some minor tasks for him before you can purchase the Amulet of Mara and propose. After you put on the amulet, you can engage him with marriage dialogue.
4. Where can I find Balimund?
Balimund can be found in Riften, at his smithy near the main market square. He is typically at his forge during the day and often found in his shop.
5. How do I start a relationship with Balimund?
First, you will need to complete his task. Then, you must equip the Amulet of Mara and engage him in dialogue. He will give you marriage dialogue if he is amenable to you.
6. What kind of items does Balimund sell in his shop?
Balimund sells a variety of smithing materials, including iron ingots, leather, and other crafting components. He also sells some basic weapons and armor.
7. Does marrying Balimund affect my ability to pursue other quests?
No, marrying Balimund doesn’t hinder your ability to pursue any other quests in Skyrim. Marriage is an independent aspect of the game.
8. Does marrying Balimund give me a home in Riften?
Marriage does not give you a specific home in Riften. If you purchase the house in Riften, that is where your spouse will reside with you.
9. Can I move Balimund to a different house after marrying him?
Yes, after you marry him, Balimund will move to any property that you own in Skyrim. This can be in any city.
10. Can Balimund die?
Yes, he can. If your spouse is killed, they will be gone for good.
11. Can I have more than one spouse in Skyrim?
No, you can only have one spouse at a time in Skyrim. Once married, you cannot marry another character, even if your spouse dies.
12. Is Balimund essential for any quests?
Balimund is not essential for any significant quests in the game. However, he may play a minor role in some Riften-related activities.
13. Can Balimund become a follower?
No, Balimund does not become a follower after you get married.
14. What if I prefer another wife? Does Balimund provide some of the best benefits?
While there are other spouses that offer benefits, many, like Ysolda, offer daily income. Balimund offers more than that. If you value smithing, he provides the best benefits, offering a consistent supply of crafting materials and the ability to improve your Smithing skill through regular practice.
15. How can I maximize the benefits of marrying Balimund?
To maximize the benefits, frequently use his forge to craft items, collect your daily gold, and utilize his inventory for materials. By doing this, you can leverage his expertise to enhance your armor and weapons throughout the game.