Finding Love (and Loot) in Skyrim: Your Guide to Marriage
Ah, Skyrim. A land of adventure, dragons, and… surprisingly robust marital options! Yes, you can tie the knot in this sprawling RPG, gaining a spouse and unique buffs along the way. Here’s your comprehensive guide to getting married in Skyrim:
1. Find Your Soulmate (or Someone Who Tolerates You):
Skyrim boasts a variety of potential spouses, from warriors to mages to even a talking Argonian blacksmith. Candidates can be found in taverns, villages, and even wandering the wilderness.
2. The All-Important Amulet of Mara:
To unlock the possibility of marriage, you’ll need to acquire an Amulet of Mara. This amulet can be purchased from priests of Mara in Riften or obtained by completing the short “Book of Love” quest at the Temple of Mara.
3. Win Their Heart (or At Least Their Approval):
Once equipped with the Amulet of Mara, chat up potential spouses. They’ll have dialogue options related to marriage, but only if you’ve gained their favor. Complete their quests, give them gifts (but no Skooma!), and avoid getting arrested in front of them.
4. Popping the Big Question:
If a potential spouse warms up to you and the marriage dialogue option appears, seize your chance! They might ask for a specific favor before agreeing, but once they say yes, it’s time to plan the ceremony.
5. Head to Riften for the Ceremony:
Travel to Riften and visit the Temple of Mara. Speak to Maramal, the priest, and pay a small fee to arrange the ceremony. Sleep for 24 hours, and then return to the temple during the day to officially tie the knot.
6. Congratulations! You’re Married (Now What?):
After the ceremony, your spouse will move into your designated home (if you have one) and offer various benefits. These include a daily gift of gold, the ability to open a shop in your house, and a special buff depending on your spouse’s profession.
Bonus Tip:
There’s no limit to how many times you can get married in Skyrim (though some spouses might disapprove of your fickle heart). However, there can only be one spouse at a time. If you wish to marry someone new, you’ll need to visit a priest of Arkay (god of the dead) to ask about a certain “Black Sacrament.” Let’s just say, it’s not the most romantic solution.
So there you have it! With a little effort and an Amulet of Mara, you can find love (or convenience) in the wilds of Skyrim. Now you can adventure with your significant other, loot dungeons together, and build a life in this fantastical world.