The Elder Scrollsgames are popular for many reasons. A big part of this is the fact that they’re wide open sandboxes that let you soanything. Rob from the rich (or the poor), complete quests foranyone, or make lifelong rivalries with a cavalcade of gods.
But it wasn’t until Skyrim that we got to settle down and marry someone. In Cyrodiil, whichOblivionmakes its stage, you’ll find no such romance. But what if that sort of thingwasincluded? Who would you evenwantto marry in such an apocalyptic hellscape of Oblivion Gates and impending war? I’ve got some ideas.
8M’aiq The Liar
Ah, theenigmatic Khajiit who dispenses truthsthat are anything but. A romance with M’aiq would be less about heartfelt declarations and more about deciphering his ever-shifting reality.
M’aiq would be a partner who always keeps you on your toes. While he’d obviously be the comedic option, there’d be plenty of kernels of truth in his pronouncements to keep you feeling butterflies whenever you talk to him.
7Rosentia Gallus
Poor Rosentia Gallenus, the woman whose home is perpetually a Daedric zoo. Romancing Rosentia would be an act of true selflessness, or perhaps, a sign you have a profound lack of self-preservation. Completing her quest would be an easy way to show interest, at least!
Imagine a new side quest that involves renovating her house after you’ve dealt with the pesky scamps, making it a comfortable home after her treacherous ordeal. She certainly deserves some kindness after the things she’s been through.
6Baurus
Baurus, the stoic Blade agent, is the epitome of the strong, silent type. A romance with Baurus would be built on loyalty, duty, and probably a shared appreciation for a well-maintained sword.
Imagine assisting him on a succession of covert missions, with each successful operation unlocking more of his surprisingly thoughtful (and often very dry) personality. He’d be the perfect ‘bring them out of their shell’ love interest.
5Mazoga The Orc
Mazoga the Orc, the fierce, knight-errant wannabe, would make for a powerfully protective, if somewhat unrefined, partner. She’s a tough cookie, and that’s attractive to plenty of people.
The journey to help Mazoga become recognised as a knight lends itself brilliantly to a romantic storyline, and imagine being able to take her along as a follower to the farthest reaches of the game - she’s a perfect partnerandan effective teammate.
4A Flame Atronach
It’s meme-y, yes, but imagine a Flame Atronach as a romantic partner… this is where things get interesting, and potentially very warm. You’d have to stack Fire Resistance to be able to hug her, something she’s never experienced before.
Think something along the lines of Karlach from Baldur’s Gate 3.
3The Adoring Fan
To romance the Adoring Fan would be to truly embrace the concept of being worshipped, constantly, relentlessly, and at a decibel level that could shatter glass.
This one would be a romance partner for those who really can’t get enough praise and don’t mind a totally one-sided relationship.
2Antoinetta Marie
Antoinetta Marie, the Dark Brotherhood’s resident socialite and purveyor of secrets, would offer a romance rich with whispers. She’s one of the more personable people you’ll meet in the Cheydinhal Sanctuary, but also doesn’t get the spotlight on her, making her a really interesting character to me.
I love the idea of making a Dark Brotherhood character a romantic interest, since you’d likely have to choose betweenprogressing the Dark Brotherhood questlineproperly or taking it in a completely new direction, saving your loved one from the Purification.
1Agronak Gro-Malog
Agronak gro-Malog, the Grey Prince, is an Orc of tragic mystery and noble spirit. Romancing him would be an endeavour of psychological archaeology, digging into his tormented past and helping him find peace.
The fact that he’s half-vampire and you’re the one who gets to kill his father is also pretty ripe fruit for a classic romance story filled with tropes. A better lovestory than Twilight, indeed.
This is another love interest whose romantic entanglement with you would change his outcome. Completing his quest usually ends up with you slaughtering him in the Arena in a manner close to putting someone out of their misery - if you’re romancing him, however, you’d obviously be able to save him and give him a brighter, happier life. Plus, he’d be a fantastic follower, like Mazoga above.
