Marcurio is an Imperial spellcaster residing in the Bee and Barb in Riften. He can be hired as a follower for 500 . After hiring him, and wearing an Amulet of Mara, Marcurio becomes a candidate for marriage.
Marcurio is a mage who is feisty and sassy, saying things such as "Try not to walk into any spike-filled pits or filthy skeever dens."
He is very interested in Dwemer culture and technology, though he admits he would like them more were they not constantly trying to kill him. When in ancient Nordic tombs, he reflects on his seemingly extensive knowledge of Nordic culture and history.
Follower
Marcurio specializes in Destructionspells. He prefers to cast Chain Lightning, which damages the Dragonborn, their summons, and non-hostile characters, including foes. Because of this, Marcurio may induce a bounty on the Dragonborn. Marcurio prefers to use his default robes, refusing to equip any other type of robe given to him. However, he equips armor and weapons given to him.
Weapons and shields
If equipped with a shield, he uses it and any weapons when he runs out of magicka. As with all other followers, Marcurio uses any sword, bow, or axe given to him, as long as they are stronger than his default weaponry.
Marcurio leaves a sum of money to the Dragonborn if he dies while in their service. The amount is 300 by default, but increases the longer he is a follower.
Spouse
"Hello, my love! Back from some adventure I bet!"
―Marcurio, when his spouse returns home.
As with every spouse, Marcurio opens a shop, in which items can be bought and sold. Daily, he can give his spouse a share of the profits, in the amount of 100 . This amount stacks if uncollected. He can also be asked to make a meal.
If Hearthfire is installed, he may be hired as a steward, and if the Dragonborn has children, he is one of the few male spouses who have a dialog option in which the Dragonborn may ask how the children are.
Quotes
Click to show a list of quotes.
"Don't make me wait too long...I get bored very easily."
"I feel like I can beat anyone!"
"If these ruins frighten you, take comfort in the knowledge that I am here."
"These Forsworn don't even have the decency to dress properly."
"Hello, my love. Back from some adventure I bet?"
"I am an apprenticed wizard, not a pack mule! Oh, very well, but make it quick!"
"I suppose you intend to carry off every item of value in these ruins."
"These ruins might be interesting... if I weren't already an expert on Nordic history!"
"Try not to walk into any spike-filled pits or filthy skeever-dens!"
"Wow. Would you look at that!"
"Was that...some sort of healing spell?"
"Draugr are slow and clumsy. Hardly a challenge for a man like me."
"Do try not to set off any traps, will you?"
"There's a cave here! Think we should check it out?"
"Gods willing, if we'll find a chest full of gold in here."
"Slay it! Slay the dragon!"
"You'll die this day dragon!"
"Most bandits are cowards. These seem braver than most."
"Bandits are desperate men. They have nothing to lose and they fight like it."
"Take care not to hit your head on a low hanging bit of stone."
"Don't like the looks of this."
"You know what I miss the most right now? Fresh air."
"Let's try not to make too much noise. I've heard that cave-ins can start that way."
"Not for all the gold of Skyrim would I spend my life working in these tunnels."
"I've heard that miners sometimes die from poisonous gases trapped beneath the ground."
"Let's hope the miners didn't unearth anything besides precious stones, if you take my meaning."
"I wonder what they were mining down here."
"Are you sure you wouldn't rather explore, say, a nice tavern?"
"I'm already looking forward to getting back above ground."
"So you think you can make it on your own huh? We'll just see about that."
"Well, would you look what the Horker dragged in? Still wandering all over Skyrim, causing trouble?"
"Admit it! You were lost without me!"
"Since you paid my fee recently, I suppose I could join you once more."
"Once more into danger!"
"Who taught you how to fight? Keep those fists up!"
"With a master of magic at your side, you'll have nothing to worry about."
"Are you sure you can find your way? It would be easy to get lost in here."
"Show me what you've got!"
"How pathetic! Being forced to eke out a miserable existence in a place like this."
"There forts like this all over the Skyrim. Imperials built them long time ago."
"Son of a bitch!"
"These wizards are mad beyond reason. They understand only violence."
"Would it be foolish to stop for a while and light a fire? I suppose, it would."
"Be sure to keep an eye out for traps."
"Remember to check behind you every once in a while. Who knows what might try to sneak up on us."
"Just look at this place. Is this what passes for a fort of Skyrim?"
"This smell of dark earth and worm-eaten wood is going to make me lose my last meal."
"There is no greater madness than those who seek to become vampires. That's a dark bargain if there ever was one."
"Did you bring a torch? These old forts can get pretty dark inside."
"These timber supports are rotten through. It's a wonder this place is still standing."
"Keep your eyes open for traps. Old ruins like these are usually filled with them."
Trivia
After marrying him, choosing to live with Marcurio involves living at the Bee and Barb.
Although he refers to himself as an "Apprentice," he wears Adept Robes of Destruction, not apprentice robes.
This section contains bugs related to Marcurio. Before adding a bug to this list, consider the following:
Please reload an old save to confirm if the bug is still happening.
If the bug is still occurring, please post the bug report with the appropriate system template 360 / XB1 , PS3 / PS4 , PC / MAC , NX / PS5 , XS , depending on which platform(s) the bug has been encountered on.
Be descriptive when listing the bug and fixes, but avoid having conversations in the description and/or using first-person anecdotes: such discussions belong on the appropriate forum board.
360 PS3 When married to Marcurio, the dialogue option to ask for a Homecooked Meal may never appear.
360 PC The option to make him a steward may never appear.
360 Upon entering and exiting Shalidor's Maze, Marcurio may not leave. This can only be fixed by fast traveling to a new location.
. After hiring him, and wearing an Amulet of Mara, Marcurio becomes a candidate for marriage.