When to Marry Aela the Huntress?
Aela the Huntress is one of the most iconic followers in the world of Skyrim. With her expertise in archery and her impressive stats, she can be an invaluable ally in combat. But when is the best time to tie the knot with this deadly and determined warrior? In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the requirements to marry Aela and discuss what benefits and limitations you’ll encounter.
Marrying Aela: What to Expect
Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand what’s in store for you and your new spouse. When married, Aela becomes much more than just a capable follower – she also acts as a skilled training officer, teaching you how to use a bow to a respectable level. Her experience as a hunter also provides passive bonuses to your damage and accuracy.
Meeting Aela’s Requirements
The first step in marrying Aela is to meet the requirements. These can be summarized as follows:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Complete Blood’s Honor | Finish the first companions’ quest, where Aela helps you and shows her loyalty. |
| Complete Purity of Revenge | Eliminate the Thalmor elves responsible for the brutal raid on the Companions’ headquarters. |
| Complete Glory of the Dead | Locate the remains of the great Huntress, Yrsa Snow-Princess, in the ruins of Dragon Gate. |
Once These Requirements Are Met
Congratulations! You’ve met Aela’s requirements, and you’re now eligible for matrimony. In preparation for the ceremony, there are a few crucial events to attend to. During the quest Dragon Void, you’ll help your future spouse overcome personal grief and find closure with an ancient ritual. Make sure to complete this as early as possible, as later on, it’s extremely difficult to reverse certain conditions.
What Are the Benefits of Marrying Aela?
- Expert Archery – Aela can take your archery skill level up to 75 once you’re married. Consider this a significant increase from the usual maximum limit for followers.
- Light Armor Mastery – Your spouse can learn this skill, allowing for versatility in combat.
- Increased Damage – As a result of marriage, Aela and others will deal more damage from ranged attacks.
- Improved Accuracy – Passive bonuses to damage will also improve your bowshots’ accuracy.
Do Keep in Mind Some Limited Aspects
While having an expert archer in marriage can be incredibly empowering, there are some points worth considering:
- Limited Follower Compliments – Each wedding ceremony only provides Aela with a single specialization from the above list, i.e., archery level 75 or Light Armor Mastery.
- No Special Perks in Combat – Apart from increased damage and improved accuracy, there are no immediate combat perks or improvements available.
The Hunt for Perfection
Despite what might seem like significant changes, there’s room to improve further. Don’t forget to:
•Teach Aela How to Use Light Armor Properly – Considerably boost her survivability to increase her overall contribution as a follower.
• Keep an Eye On Her Skills – Check your spouse’s expertise over time and focus on boosting their archery to enhance your overall damage.
The Verdict
Marrying Aela can create a formidable ally that proves invaluable in the realm of Skyrim. While specific changes might not revolutionize every aspect of combat, significant benefits and the personal closeness you’ll feel due to shared experiences justify forming a bond with the unforgettable Aela the Huntress.