Navigating the Nuptials of Skyrim: Unmarriageable NPCs and Marital FAQs
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The sprawling world of Skyrim offers players an unparalleled level of freedom, from mastering arcane arts to slaying dragons. One popular aspect of this freedom is the ability to marry an NPC, forging a lasting bond within the game’s immersive world. However, not everyone is eligible to walk down the aisle with the Dragonborn. So, who is off-limits? The list is quite extensive, but includes prominent figures like Jarl Balgruuf the Elder, Elisif the Fair (without mods), Astrid, Serana (without mods) and several others whose roles, relationships, or narrative arcs preclude them from becoming marriage partners. This article delves into the specifics of who you can’t marry in Skyrim and answers some frequently asked questions about the game’s marriage system.
The Unmarriageable Elite of Skyrim
While Skyrim boasts a decent roster of eligible bachelors and bachelorettes, several key characters are permanently off the market. Here’s a closer look at some of the most notable unmarriageable NPCs and the reasons behind their unavailability:
- Jarl Balgruuf the Elder: As the wise and respected Jarl of Whiterun, Balgruuf is a central figure in the game’s main questline. His responsibilities and established position make him unavailable for marriage. Think of him as the steadfast leader, far too busy governing to find time for romance with the Dragonborn.
- Elisif the Fair: The Jarl of Solitude, Elisif, is a pivotal character in the Imperial storyline. While mods exist to enable marriage with her, the base game does not allow it, possibly due to her storyline and position as ruler of Solitude.
- Astrid: The leader of the Dark Brotherhood, Astrid, is already married to Arnbjorn. Beyond that, her morally ambiguous nature and eventual demise in the Dark Brotherhood questline make her an impossible marriage candidate.
- Serana: The ancient vampire from the Dawnguard DLC. While incredibly popular with players, Serana’s vampirism initially prevents marriage. Even with the option to cure her, marrying her in the vanilla game remains impossible without the aid of mods. This may stem from her complex backstory and unique relationship with her family.
- Brynjolf: A prominent member of the Thieves Guild, Brynjolf is a charismatic character that many players find appealing. Unfortunately, his dedication to the Thieves Guild and his shadowy lifestyle likely contribute to his unmarriageable status.
- Balagog gro-Nolob: An Orcish mage residing in the College of Winterhold.
- Teldryn Sero: A skilled Dark Elf mercenary found on Solstheim.
- Saadia: A Redguard woman with a mysterious past encountered in Whiterun.
- Sapphire: Another member of the Thieves Guild with a troubled history.
It’s worth noting that the reasons for these characters being unavailable vary. Some are already married, others have roles that conflict with the idea of marriage, and some are simply not coded to be eligible.
FAQs: Decoding Skyrim’s Marriage System
The marriage system in Skyrim, while relatively straightforward, still raises many questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions, providing deeper insight into the game’s matrimonial mechanics.
Can you marry anyone you want in Skyrim?
No, you can’t marry just anyone. Only specific NPCs within the game are coded as eligible marriage candidates. These characters typically have certain dialogue options and disposition requirements that must be met before the marriage proposal becomes available.
Are there any same-sex marriage options in Skyrim?
Yes, Skyrim allows for same-sex marriage. Gender is not a barrier when choosing a spouse. Any eligible NPC can be married regardless of the Dragonborn’s gender.
How do you get married in Skyrim?
To get married, you first need to acquire an Amulet of Mara from Riften. Then, wear the amulet and speak to a potential spouse. If they are interested, they will acknowledge the amulet. Once you’ve earned their affection (usually by completing a quest for them), a marriage proposal option will appear in the dialogue. After that, you arrange the wedding at the Temple of Mara in Riften.
What are the benefits of getting married in Skyrim?
Marriage in Skyrim offers several benefits. Your spouse will move into your home and provide you with a daily income (100 gold). They can also cook meals that provide temporary stat boosts, and act as a merchant, selling various items. If they’re a follower, they’ll continue adventuring with you. Finally, sleeping in the same house as your spouse provides the “Lover’s Comfort” bonus, granting a 15% skill increase.
Can you have multiple wives or husbands in Skyrim?
No, you can only have one spouse at a time in Skyrim. Once married, the bond is permanent unless your spouse dies, in which case you still cannot remarry.
Can your spouse die in Skyrim?
Yes, your spouse can die, especially if they are a follower and accompany you on dangerous adventures. Essential NPCs (those vital to the main storyline) cannot die, but most marriageable NPCs are not essential.
What happens if your spouse dies in Skyrim?
If your spouse dies, you will receive a letter of inheritance. You cannot remarry in the vanilla game, leaving you a widower/widow for the remainder of your playthrough.
Can you divorce in Skyrim?
No, there is no divorce option in the base game. Once you’re married, you’re married for life (or until death do you part).
Are there any mods that allow you to marry unmarriageable NPCs like Serana or Elisif?
Yes, several mods allow you to marry NPCs who are not eligible in the base game, including Serana and Elisif the Fair. However, these mods may have their own requirements and potential bugs, so it’s important to read the mod descriptions carefully before installing them.
Can you marry a follower in Skyrim?
Yes, many followers in Skyrim are also eligible for marriage. Popular choices include Aela the Huntress, Lydia, and Farkas.
Does race affect who you can marry in Skyrim?
No, race does not affect marriage eligibility. You can marry any eligible NPC regardless of your character’s race.
Where can you find a list of all marriageable NPCs in Skyrim?
Many online resources provide comprehensive lists of marriageable NPCs in Skyrim, including wikis, fan forums, and game guides. A quick search will reveal several helpful lists.
Can you adopt children in Skyrim?
Yes, with the Hearthfire DLC, you can adopt up to two children in Skyrim. You can adopt them from orphanages or find orphaned children in various locations throughout the game.
Can you have biological children in Skyrim?
No, the game does not feature biological children. All children are adopted.
Does marrying certain NPCs affect the game’s storyline?
Marrying an NPC can affect your gameplay experience, but it generally doesn’t significantly alter the main storyline. Certain spouses may have unique dialogue options or interactions related to specific quests, but the core narrative remains the same.
Understanding who you can and cannot marry in Skyrim enhances your role-playing experience. While certain fan-favorite characters like Serana and Jarl Balgruuf remain tantalizingly out of reach in the base game, the wide array of eligible spouses ensures that every Dragonborn can find companionship amidst the snowy peaks and dragon-infested ruins. Game design and player engagement continues to evolve over time with these types of mechanics and for more on such research, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.