The Elusive Altmer Bride: Who Can You Marry From the High Elves in Skyrim?

The windswept peaks of Skyrim offer a plethora of choices when it comes to finding a partner, someone to share your adventures, your home, and maybe even your spoils. But for those with a particular taste, an affinity for the elegant and magically inclined, the options narrow significantly. So, who is the marriable Altmer (High Elf) in Skyrim?

The answer is simple: Taarie in Solitude is the only Altmer available for marriage in the base game of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Yes, you read that right. Among the Nords, Bretons, Dunmer, and other races, the High Elves are conspicuously absent from the marriage roster, save for this one stylish exception. So, if you are looking to create a mixed family with an Altmer wife, you must seek out Taarie in the city of Solitude.

Finding Love in Radiant Raiment: Meeting Taarie

Taarie can be found within the walls of Solitude, specifically in Radiant Raiment, the city’s upscale clothing shop. She works there alongside her sister, Endarie. Taarie is immediately recognizable as an Altmer, with her characteristic golden skin and pointed ears. However, don’t expect her to swoon at the sight of you.

Before you can even think about proposing, you’ll need to complete a small radiant quest for her, usually involving showing a specific item to the Jarl of Haafingar, Elisif the Fair. This quest, though minor, is crucial to unlock the marriage option.

Why So Few Altmer Partners? The Lore and the Limitations

The scarcity of Altmer marriage candidates is a point of frustration for many players. While there’s no definitive in-game explanation, several factors likely contribute to this:

• Altmer Culture: The Altmer are known for their isolationist tendencies and strong sense of cultural identity. They often look down upon other races, which could explain their reluctance to intermarry.
• Game Design Choices: The Elder Scrolls series has never shied away from exploring complex societal issues, and the limited marriage options could be a deliberate design choice to reflect the racial tensions and prejudices prevalent in Skyrim.
• Narrative Focus: Taarie’s presence as the sole Altmer marriage candidate arguably makes her more unique and memorable. It forces players who are interested in an Altmer spouse to engage with her specific storyline and personality.

Is Taarie Right For You? Pros and Cons

Before you rush off to Solitude with an Amulet of Mara in hand, consider whether Taarie is the right choice for your Dragonborn.

Pros:

• Unique Spouse: Let’s face it, she’s the only Altmer wife available without mods. If you have your heart set on marrying a High Elf, she is your only choice.
• Businesswoman: Taarie runs a successful business. Your spouse earns 100 gold a day! She will open a shop so you have access to selling more.
• Magic Inclined: As an Altmer, Taarie likely has some magical abilities and a knack for all things magical, making her a good match for a mage character.

Cons:

• Snobbish Personality: Taarie can come across as arrogant and judgmental, especially towards those she deems beneath her. This may not be ideal for players seeking a warm and nurturing partner.
• Limited Storyline: Beyond the initial quest, Taarie has little in the way of a personal storyline or background. This makes her less engaging than some of the other marriage candidates.
• Potential Bugs: Some players have reported encountering bugs during the marriage process with Taarie, so it’s always wise to save your game before committing.

Expanding Your Horizons: Mods and the Possibilities

For those unwilling to settle for the limited vanilla options, the modding community offers a plethora of solutions. Several mods introduce new Altmer marriage candidates, expand on existing characters, or simply remove the racial restrictions on marriage altogether.

• Relationship Dialogue Overhaul: This mod adds new dialogue to many NPCs, including Taarie, making them feel more fleshed out and engaging.
• Marriable Serana: A popular mod allows players to marry Serana.
• Multiple Marriage Mods: These mods allow for you to marry multiple spouses.

Be sure to do your research and choose mods that are compatible with your game version and playstyle. Remember that mods can introduce bugs or conflicts, so always back up your save files before installing anything new.

Finding love in Skyrim, especially with a specific race in mind, can be a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience. Whether you choose to embrace the unique charm of Taarie or explore the limitless possibilities of mods, remember that the most important thing is to find a partner who complements your character and enhances your adventures in the frozen north. And for those interested in learning more about the societal impacts and educational possibilities of gaming, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you marry any Altmer in Skyrim without mods?

No, Taarie in Solitude is the only Altmer you can marry in the base game of Skyrim without using any mods.

2. Where can I find Taarie?

Taarie is located inside the store Radiant Raiment in Solitude.

3. What quest do I need to complete to marry Taarie?

You typically need to complete a radiant quest where you show a specific outfit from Radiant Raiment to Jarl Elisif the Fair. This demonstrates the quality of the shop’s merchandise and opens up Taarie to marriage.

4. Are there any male Altmer I can marry?

Unfortunately, no. There are no male Altmer marriage candidates in the base game of Skyrim. Players seeking an Altmer husband will need to rely on mods.

5. Does Taarie have any unique dialogue or quests after marriage?

No, not really. Her dialogue is similar to most other spouses. She will offer standard spouse benefits, such as cooking a meal once a day and opening a shop.

6. Can I make Taarie a follower?

Yes, after you marry her. Like most spouses, Taarie can become a follower. She can accompany you on your adventures and help you in combat.

7. How does Taarie’s combat skills compare to other followers?

Taarie’s combat skills are relatively average. As an Altmer, she likely has some proficiency in magic, but she is not a particularly strong warrior.

8. Will Taarie’s personality change after marriage?

No, not significantly. She will still express her opinions and maintain her generally sophisticated demeanor.

9. Can I divorce Taarie and marry someone else?

No, there is no divorce option in Skyrim without mods. Once you are married, you are committed for the duration of the game.

10. Are there any known bugs or glitches associated with marrying Taarie?

Yes, some players have reported encountering bugs during the marriage process. It is always wise to save your game before proposing.

11. How does marrying Taarie affect my standing with the Thalmor?

Marrying Taarie has no direct impact on your standing with the Thalmor. While Altmer culture is highly valued by the Thalmor, your personal relationships are not policed.

12. What are the benefits of marrying Taarie compared to other spouses?

The main benefit is that she is the only Altmer available. She will give you 100 gold daily and can work as a merchant.

13. Can I turn Taarie into a vampire?

Yes, you can turn her into a vampire through the Volkihar vampire questline, if you, yourself, become a vampire.

14. Can I marry her as any race?

Yes, you can marry Taarie regardless of your character’s race or gender. Skyrim is very permissive in it’s matrimonial arrangements.

15. Does Taarie have any unique dialogue or interactions related to being an Altmer?

Not particularly. Her Altmer heritage is not a major focus of her dialogue.