Can You Tie the Knot in Oblivion? Let’s Untangle This Cyrodiilic Conundrum
Ah, Oblivion. Rolling hills, daedric princes, and a big question: can you find love in this chaos? If you roam Cyrodiil with thoughts of marriage, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore romantic possibilities, or lack thereof, in Oblivion.
Marriage in the Land of Oblivion: A Bachelor’s Life?
The burning question remains: can you get married in Oblivion? If you expect a grand wedding with your adventuring friends, prepare for disappointment. The vanilla Oblivion doesn’t offer marriage as a central feature. Oblivion is like the quirky friend who loves adventure but avoids commitment.
But don’t lose hope, love-seeking traveler! Oblivion lacks formal marriage like Skyrim, but companionship and relationships still exist. Think of it as Oblivion-style commitment without the rings or shared finances.
Companions: Your Ride-or-Die (But Not Spouse) Crew
While Oblivion lacks marriage, it doesn’t leave you alone. Companions are available and can be invaluable allies. Whether a mage to cast spells, a warrior to absorb damage, or a pack mule, Oblivion has options.
You can find companions through various factions and quests. Need a Dark Brotherhood assassin? You got it. Want a Knight of the Nine by your side? Definitely! Mages Guild and Arena champions can your cause. Some even become permanent followers through thick and thin, dungeon dives, and dragon encounters.
Think of companions as your squad. They may not be spouses, but they’ll have your back during intense battles in Cyrodiil – far more crucial than squabbling about whose turn it is to carry the loot.
Love Across Tamriel: Marriage in Other Elder Scrolls Games
To grasp Oblivion’s take on marriage, let’s look at its Elder Scrolls siblings. A quick tour of the family is in order.
Skyrim: Love is in the Frigid Air
Skyrim is filled with dragons and draugr, but it also offers marriage. Here, love isn’t just emotional; it’s a game mechanic! You can marry in Skyrim via an Amulet of Mara. If someone likes you, head to Riften’s Temple of Mara to make the union official.
Skyrim is inclusive too. Love knows no boundaries of race or gender, so marry who you will: Orc, Elf, or Human. Your spouse provides 100 gold daily and cooks meals – talk about perks! Sharing a house offers a “Lover’s Comfort” bonus, boosting skill gains. Some spouses can follow you into battle too, serving dual roles as partners and helpers. , Skyrim limits you to one spouse at a time — no remarriage after trouble… unless you inadvertently introduce them to a dragon.
Elder Scrolls Online (ESO): Marital Pacts Across Provinces
ESO handles marriage differently. In this MMO, it’s player-to-player. By using the Pledge of Mara at a Shrine of Mara, players can acquire Rings of Mara to signify their in-game commitment. It adds roleplaying layers to online experiences.
Morrowind: A Glimmer of Marital Hope (Maybe?)
Morrowind offers vague whispers about marriage. It seems you can have a spouse regardless of race or gender. However, details on how it works are murky compared to Skyrim or ESO. Morrowind’s marriage might be an easter egg or informal, fitting its elusive nature.
Home Sweet Home: Player Houses in Oblivion – Nesting Without the Spouse
You can’t share a bed in Oblivion, but you can have a cozy bachelor pad (or bachelorette retreat). Player homes are definitely present! In cities like Imperial City, Anvil, and Chorrol, you can buy properties and become a homeowner. Each city (except Kvatch) offers houses for sale, totaling eight possible residences.
These homes aren’t just decoration. They provide storage for your loot and beds for resting after tough battles. Essentially, they are personal sanctuaries in Cyrodiil— spots to relax, reroute plans, and prepare for new adventures. Think of them as personal castles minus the princess (unless you bring a companion home).
Mods and Matrimony: Unofficial Paths to Oblivion Bliss?
For modding enthusiasts: can mods add marriage to Oblivion? While the provided details don’t explicitly mention marriage-related mods, the vibrant modding community offers endless creativity. It’s possible mods exist or could be created for marriage mechanics in Oblivion. Searching modding communities might reveal hidden treasures for virtual marital bliss. But always check compatibility with your game version.
Other Oblivion Oddities: Vampires, Guilds, and Jail Time – Oh My!
Oblivion is rich with systems and quirks. Let’s touch on elements that add flavor to Cyrodiilic life, even if they aren’t about marriage.
Vampirism: Undead and Unattached (Unless You’re Into That)
Fancy being undead? Oblivion’s vampirism is an alluring yet inconvenient affliction. Catch Sanguinare Vampiris from a vampire and you’re on your way to becoming nocturnal. Vampirism ups stats and abilities but includes drawbacks. Sunlight is your enemy; you must feed often to stay… vital. Go full vampire and townsfolk will greet you less enthusiastically unless charm works (or they’re vampires too). It changes your appearance too, trading rosy cheeks for a pale look. Not ideal for wedding photos, but some might like it.
Guilds and Factions: Find Your Crew (Maybe Even a Romantic Interest?)
Oblivion’s guilds and factions are enticing. ing groups like Mages Guild or Dark Brotherhood leads to fresh quests and opportunities. While guilds aren’t matchmaking services, they help forge bonds with like-minded individuals. Perhaps your Dark Brotherhood assassin has a secretly soft heart? (Probably not, but a gamer can dream!). You could Mythic Dawn for a short time during the main quest, but it’s hardly conducive to long-lasting companionship unless you favor world-ending ideologies.
Jail System: Timeouts and Skill Setbacks – Not a Great Honeymoon Destination
Oblivion’s justice system works quite well. Commit crimes? Get caught! The consequences await in jail. Time behind bars means losing levels in random skills — a setback for seasoned characters. On the bright side, confiscated belongings are stored in an evidence chest, ready for retrieval upon release (or escape!).
So while you can’t marry in Oblivion, experience the less romantic aspects of potential relationships, like dealing with jail time.
Virtual Vows, Real World Laws: A Quick Legal Reality Check
A final note about virtual marriages is critical. Saying “I do” in Oblivion or Skyrim may be immersive, but such unions have no real-world legality. Virtual spouses won’t claim your real-world assets or qualify for benefits. Virtual marriage serves entertainment purposes only — it’s a fun roleplaying aspect but not real-life unions.
To sum it up: Oblivion might not provide formal marriage options but offers adventure and companionship aplenty. Who needs a spouse when dragons await? Cyrodiil is calling, partner or not!
