Random Encounters (Skyrim)

Random encounters are world events that can happen in when the player enters an area.

Instead of having set 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.

Random encounters can occur at a large number of pre-fixed locations scattered around the game world. Different encounters can occur at the same location, if it is revisited after some time has passed. Additionally, most encounters can occur several times in one playthrough of the game; even encounters that involve unique characters may occur more than once.

Some random encounters happen for role-playing purposes only and won't affect the player, such as a hunter chasing a fox or M'aiq the Liar commenting on the world. Others will begin quests, such as finding Alik'r warriors interrogating Redguard females. There are also encounters that will spawn a hostile group that will attack the Dragonborn.

There are a total of 95 Random Encounters in. Not all can be encountered in the one game, as some counteract each other, depending on Quest choices. More encounters are included when add-ons like have been installed.

Notably, most enemies that are unique to random encounters (e.g. Scavengers, robbers, Assassins, Werewolves , Vampires , rival adventurers, bandits dressed as imperial soldiers, etc.) level with the player, and can be unusually powerful opponents at higher levels.

While most random encounter characters disappear once the player leaves the area, some random encounter NPCs including the Revelers, the Frightened Woman, and Sond and Bottar will travel to the nearest farm or mill after the encounter occurs, where they will take up residence as laborers and can be found for the rest of the game.

Random encounters are not limited to the wilderness of Skyrim, as they can occur inside various buildings, such as the Vilemyr Inn.

Quest related random encounters

 * "Scene" means that it takes place only in the one location (usually an unmarked location).
 * "Moving" means that it can occur anywhere in the wilderness.