Random Encounters (Skyrim)

Random encounters are world events that happen when the player enters and area. Instead of having prefixed locations for each creature to spawn, the game generates an encounter based on decisions the player has made, the status the player has with a specific faction, the player's level, and so on.

Some random encounters happen for roleplaying purposes only and won't affect the player, as a hunter chasing a fox or M'aiq The Liar commenting on the world. Some other will begin quests, as finding Alik'r warriors interrogating Redguard females. There are also encounters that will spawn a hostile group that will attack the Dovahkiin, and the Dovahkiin can choose to face them or flee.

Random encounters that begin quests

 * Alik'r warriors interrogating a female about . Leads to the quest In My Time Of Need.
 * A Boethiah cultist trying to kill the Dovahkiin. He carries the book Boethiah's Proving that leads to the quest Boethiah's Calling. The cultist will appear only if the Dovahkiin is level 30 or above.

Other random encounters

 * A group of armed people escorting a prisoner. The prisoner can be freed (the group will attack) and also be given weapons and armor when freed. These encounters can be:
 * A Thalmor Justiciar with some other Thalmor escorting a prisoner. Speaking to the Justiciar will reveal that the prisoner is a follower of Talos. Trying to speak again with the Justiciar will lead to him thinking that the Dovahkiin is an heretic and all of them will attack.
 * The Imperial Legion escorting a Stormcloak prisoner.
 * The Stormcloaks escorting an Imperial Legion prisoner.
 * A Dragon.
 * A skooma dealer, that will offer the goods but will attack if threaten to tell the guards.
 * M'aiq The Liar.
 * A creature/humanoid or group hostile to the player, depending on where the player is. For instance an Ice wraith, a troll, necromancers, Forsworn, bandits, etc.
 * A farmer going to either Solitude or Windhelm to pledge allegiance to the Imperial Legion or the Stormcloaks, respectively.
 * A farmer couple complaining about losing their farm and crops because of dragons.
 * A fugitive that will give an stolen enchanted item for the Dovahkiin to hold, and then flee. Then a hunter will ask the Dovahkiin if the fugitive has gone by. Then the item can be returned or not, in order to keep the item. Then, the hunter will (unless killed) find and kill the fugitive.
 * Three drunks toasting and inviting the Dovahkiin to a Honningbrew Mead.
 * Some bandits dressed in Imperial armor and weapons with the same amount of naked dead bodies nearby. They will ask the "citizen" for a passage fee.
 * A Noble on a horse with an escort.
 * A giant being attacked by creatures.
 * A group of Vigilants of Stendarr wandering around or fighting an enemy.
 * A fight between two wizards.
 * Some bandits attacking a merchant, who will offer his goods after being saved.