Online:Encounters

Encounters are miscellaneous random activities that occur throughout the world. These events are scripted, and completion of one of these rewards a small amount of experience.

Universal

Universal encounters may happen in any valid location for an encounter, with no bearing on the type of region.

Traveling Mage

Bertrand Landreau

You may come across Bertrand Landreau He can appear out of a portal in the wilderness and exclaim, "This doesn't look right.", or "Wait, this isn't right." and will promptly return to the rift he came from as if he made a mistake with his destination. You cannot talk or otherwise interact with Bertrand or his portal and seems to simply be a comical scene you can witness randomly while exploring Tamriel.

Alliance Zone Events

Alliance zones are territory controlled by the three Alliances in the base portion of the game. DLC zones tend to have a separate pools of encounters. These encounters can happen regardless of which alliance's territory you're in, and several have achievements for encountering them in several different faction territories.

Ambushes

Ambushes

"I'm sorry, they forced me to do it!"

Out in the wilderness or near the road, you may find a traveler tied up and calling for help. As you approach, a number of bandits jump out and attack. Defeat them to complete the event.

A Bad Shortcut

A Bad Shortcut

"I knew we should have stuck to the main roads!"

A merchant, cowering near the horse she's leading, is arguing with her hired mercenary while the mercenary tries to fend off a pair of bandits. They have strayed from the main road and come under attack by bandits. Dialogue may include the mercenary crying out, "Is this the best time to bicker?" to which the merchant may reply, "You said this was a shortcut!" If you intervene, you'll aid the mercenary in defeating the bandits and gain their gratitude.

Bandit Treasure

Bandit Treasure

"My pick! You broke my pick!"

Two bandits are attempting to pick a locked chest and will attack if you approach. Defeat them and claim the treasure to complete the event.

A Bandit's Heart

A Bandit's Heart

Alongside the road, you may find a merchant tending their horse. With the Fighters Guild "Intimidating Presence" perk, you will be able to extort the merchant for some of their wares. Locating and completing this event in each of the fifteen Alliance zones will reward you with the achievement Crime Pays.

Dark Fissures

Dark Fissures

Dark Fissures are small portals reminiscent of Dark Anchors which are designed for solo completion. They can appear in set locations across the base game zones. Each one will spawn two waves of enemies. Defeat them to complete the event.

Golden Palms

Golden Palms

Alongside the road, you may find a beggar rummaging through a sack. They will then run up to you and ask for gold. Hand over the indicated amount to complete the event. Locating and completing this event in each of the fifteen Alliance zones will reward you with the achievement Give to the Poor.

Keeper of the Flame

Keeper of the Flame

Near the side of the road, you will find two people arguing over an unlit campfire. Light the fire for them to complete the event and be rewarded with a 5% buff to your maximum stamina for 30 minutes. Locating and completing this event in each of the fifteen Alliance zones will reward you with the achievement Lightbringer.

Magical Impasse

A Hedge Wizard engaging in a duel with a Conjurer

Two mages are locked in a battle to the death. They are at a stalemate and will not appreciate your interference. They will ignore you unless you get involved, at which point they will both become hostile. If you watch the battle until one of them is killed, the other will leave via a portal, and you will earn a small amount of experience. Several different kinds of mages can be found during these battles: a Pyromancer, a Cryomancer, a Hedge Wizard, a Wild Witch, a Sorcerer, a Conjurer, or an Illusionist.

Spider vs. Skeevers

A large spider and a pair of skeevers are attacking each other and may ignore you completely, even if you attack them, until one party or the other is defeated.

Summoners

The portal is opened!

Summoning gone wrong

"Daedra! Spawn of Padomay's black blood..."

Summoners can be found in the wilderness attempting to summon a Daedric servant. The summoned Daedra however is not correctly bound to the summoner. Defeat the Daedra before it kills the summoner to complete the event. The type of Daedra can vary from a Frost Atronach, two Flame Atronachs, three Scamps, and other types.

Shadowfen Slavers

Slavers in Shadowfen

While off-roading in Shadowfen, you may stumble across a trio of Slavers or Slaver Brutes who have entrapped an Argonian Pilgrim. You can kill the slavers and free the pilgrim, who will thank you.

Shadowfen Strangler

Scavenger fighting off a Strangler

You'll find a plant in Shadowfen trying to eat a wandering Argonian scavenger. If you attack and destroy the Strangler, the scavenger will thank you.^{[verification needed — there are static encounters around Xal-Ithix that don't qualify as random encounters. Only the latter are listed on this page.]}

Stormfist Attack in Eastmarch

Save the farmer

Occasionally, you may find a group of three Stormfists harassing a Nord Peasant or Farmer in the wilds of Eastmarch. Kill the Stormfist goons and the peasant thanks you.

Traveling Werewolves in Eastmarch

Traveler after transforming

While in the wilderness, you may cross two travelers talking between themselves while surrounded by the bodies of several Death Hunters. Once you are detected they will transform into werewolves and try to kill you.

Drublog Attacks in Malabal Tor

Occasionally, you may come across Astorne and Khad fighting several Drublog soldiers in Malabal Tor. This event happens if you've helped her during The Tempest Unleashed.

Disagreements in Grahtwood

Disagreements in Grahtwood

You can come across several pairs of NPCs having disagreements in Grahtwood. One such pair includes Alwe and Malira, who are arguing over whether or not moon-sugar should be legal.

Another pair is the Khajiit Serarbar and the Wood Elf Marilrin, who disagree after Serarbar eats a flower and Marilrin attempts to defend the Green Pact.

And the third pair is the Wood Elf Harinlor and the High Elf Calunorril, who argue about how the Aldmeri Dominion treats its subjects.

These are related to the Peacemaker achievement.

Coldharbour Events

The following events can only happen in Coldharbour.

Dremora Torture

Dremora Torture

You may come across a Nord Captive being tortured by a trio of Dremora in the wilds of Coldharbour. Killing the Daedra will free him.

Harassment

Harassment

You may come across a Nord Peasant being harassed by Daedra in the wilds of Coldharbour. Killing the Daedra will free him.

Guild Skirmish

Guild Skirmish

A Fighter and Mage team up

You may encounter a Mage or a Fighter battling against two or three Dremora in the wilds of Coldharbour. You can help them out by killing their opponent before the Daedra kills them.

Occasionally, you'll come across a skirmish involving three Dremora ganging up on a Mage and a Fighter together, as opposed to a lone Mage or Fighter encountering two Dremora on their lonesome.

Seducer Run-in

A small troupe of Dark Seducers will be making a Captive dance for their amusement in the wilds of Coldharbour. Killing them will set their captive entertainer free.

A Strange Chest

A Strange Chest

You may find A Strange Chest in the middle of the road in Coldharbour. When you open it, you'll be knocked over, Dremora will jump out, and the chest will disappear.

Cyrodiil Events

The following events can only happen in Cyrodiil.

Back Road Robbery

Clearwater Corsair Encounter

While traveling along any road in Cyrodiil (particularly the road from the Chorrol Milegate to Hackdirt), you have a chance to come across a pair of Clearwater Corsairs who are accosting a frightened peasant. If you intervene, the peasant will thank you for help before running off.

Regretful Lycanthrope

"I can't control it!"

At any of the small shrines which can be found throughout the zone, you have the chance of coming across a peasant praying at the shrine. However, when you approach they will cry out before transforming into a hostile werewolf.

Sanguine Party

You may come across some revelers having a party around Cyrodiil. ^{needs more information}

Cyrodiil Treasure Hunters

"Stop right there, stranger. This is our claim."

You'll find Inalion and Okulald digging up a mound of dirt at various points throughout Cyrodiil, such as southeast of the Fort Rayles Mine. As you approach, Inalion warns you to stay away, as they've claimed this treasure. If you try to dig up the mound, the pair becomes hostile. Once they're dead, you can pick the lock on the chest and take what's inside.

Craglorn Events

The following events can only happen in Craglorn. Craglorn is a Zone originally designed as a Veteran-only 4-player Adventure Zone. Because of this, these encounters are more difficult than most.

Celestial Rifts

A celestial rift prior to activation

Celestial Rifts occur throughout Craglorn and are designed for completion by a group of four. Activating one will summon several waves of enemies and a final boss.

Wrothgar Events

The following events can only happen in Wrothgar.

Blood Feud

Blood Feud

"You dare interrupt a blood feud?"

Two Orcs, one a Herder and the other a Hunter, will start arguing with one another and then begin to fight. Interrupting their fight by attacking one of them will cause them both to turn hostile towards you.

City Solicitor

"You're here to aid the people of Wrothgar, yes? Well, the proud city of Orsinium needs your help!"

Help the City of Orsinium

On spots along the roads in Wrothgar, a City Solicitor will be waiting with their Bodyguard. When spoken with, they will ask for donations to help the city of Orsinium. Finding and donating gold to them a total of fifteen times rewards you with the achievement Orsinium Patron.

One Last Brawl

Grant them a good final fight

An Orc Mercenary Veteran stands looking for a final challenge. The veteran is initially non-hostile, and will fight you only if you initiate combat. Once you have depleted about 70% of the veteran's Health, he or she will stop fighting and stand still, and will return to being non-hostile with only 1 Health left. Killing them ends the event. Completing this event rewards you with the achievement One Last Brawl. An identical event can be encountered in the Reach.

Priests of Trinimac and Malacath

A priest will stand by the side of the road, urging you to listen to his praise of Trinimac. If you have the Mages Guild Persuasive Will perk, you may persuade the priest into giving you Trinimac's Blessing, increasing your critical chance by 1% for 30 minutes.

Conversely, you may also find a Priest of Malacath. Talking to him with the Fighters Guild Intimidating Presence perk will give you the Malacath's Blessing, increasing your critical resistance by 1% for 30 minutes.

Batasha

You may find Batasha on the road with her pack, eating a chicken leg. If you talk to her, you will have the option to give her some gold for a drink which gives you a temporary boost to Stamina Regeneration. You also have the option to steal from her backpack.

Poor Echalettes

The poor shepherd...

You may come across a Shepherd being threatened by a pair of Vosh Rahk thugs, who have killed the Shepherd's poor echalettes.

Vosh Rakh Ambush

You may come across a Mercenary, bound with ropes sitting on the ground. Approaching causes him to get up and attack you, accompanied by two Vosh Rakh warriors, while they laugh at how gullible you are.

Vvardenfell Events

These encounters only happen in Vvardenfell.

House Members Meet

At several different locations, members of rival (and sometimes the same) Great Houses will occasionally meet. If two members of the same house meet, they will have a short conversation. If the house members are of House Telvanni one of them will invite the other to their mushroom tower, and they both leave through a portal. If the house members are of House Hlaalu, they will greet each other as friends. If the two instead are members of different houses, they will engage in a duel to the death, similar to the Magical Impasse event. They will be neutral towards you unless you attack; if you choose to kill one without attacking the other, the surviving house member will hobble off injured and you will receive some experience.

The Lost Netch

On the sides of some roads Fendros Nolar can occasionally be encountered. If spoken to, he will explain that he is searching for his pet Netch Rosy, who has gone missing. After ending the conversation, Rosy will appear behind Fendros, and they will then walk away together.

Pilgrims in Peril

Pilgrims in Peril

Pilgrims can be found during random encounters where they are wandering the road and are suddenly attacked by a Cliff Strider. You can kill the Cliff Strider, and also pickpocket the Pilgrim if you're feeling devious. ^{[verification needed — Is this the same cliff strider encounter as we see on the Telvanni Peninsula?]}

Terrorized Travelers

In Vvardenfell, a Dark Elf traveler may call out to you:

"Hello? I mean you no harm."

Shortly after, a Cliff Racer will appear and run him off.

The Shoveler

Aphia

You may come across a dung shoveler named Aphia Madalas anywhere in Vvardenfell. She can be spoken to.

Summerset Events

These events only happen in the Summerset Isles.

Out for a Hunt

You may see a Royal Menagerie Ranger out hunting in the wilderness.

Gryphon Attacks Surveyors

Gryphon Attacks Surveyors

Throughout Summerset, you may encounter Kinlady Turquenwen and her entourage of surveyors out in the wilds, only for them to be menaced by a gryphon. Swordmaster Linaaldel is fighting the gryphon, and you can choose to assist him in killing it. Killing the gryphon awards you XP.

Hunting Party

Hunting Party

At various times you will encounter three High Elf nobles (Kinlady Hiradil, Kinlady Aldermil, and Kinlord Moladucil) standing together drinking, while Kinlord Paredan stands off to the side reading a book. After the three drunkards take the time to mock their distant friend, talking to Paredan will give you the opportunity to persuade him into giving you hunting tips, or convince him to go home. If you choose the former, he will impart his knowledge onto you, giving you a special "Hunter" buff, which will apply Major Vulnerability to the type of creature the group was initially talking about (Gryphons, Welwa, Indriks, or Salamanders) when you damage them while in Summerset for the following hour.

Lost Storm Sharks

Far from the sea

While in the wilderness of Summerset, you may encounter a trio of Maormer Storm Sharks who appear to be lost. They will attack once they sense you.

Storm Shark Lightningfang: "I think I've figured a way out of this."

Storm Shark Wavepriest: "Steal some clothes and try to blend in?"

Storm Shark Windcaller: "We kill you and use your bloated corpse as a raft?"

Storm Shark Lightningfang: "If you're just going to mock me, forget it."

Divine Prosecution Investigation

Divine Prosecution Investigation

Near a wayshrine and on the road, you may come across two Divine Prosecution agents mulling over the body of a dead Yaghra Strider. You can talk to one of them about it.

Sapiarchs in Training

Sapiarchs in Training

You may come across a Sapiarch engaging his two Assistants in an exercise. The female assistant challenges the Sapiarch's ideas, while the male is focused on the exercise. You can persuade the woman to continue with the exercise. Alternatively, you can bribe or threaten the Sapiarch to be nicer to his assistants.

Choixth

Choixth

Occasionally, you may come across a strange Argonian woman named Choixth on the side of the road or near the wayshrines in Summerset. For more information, visit her character page.

Horse Troubles

You may encounter an Orc woman named Gluthogna being accosted by a High Elf noble, who claims Gluthogna scared away her horse.

Murkmire Events

These encounters will only happen in the Murkmire region.

Travelers in Peril

Travelers in peril

Occasionally, you will come across a traveler from one of the six different Argonian tribes of Murkmire. They will either be held captive by Blackguards or attacked by Hackwings, and are in need of assistance. Saving them counts towards the Swamp Rescuer achievement. You can encounter Dead-Water, Bright-Throat, Moss-Skin, Root-House, Copper-Eye and Miredancer travelers.

Newcomers, New Games

Newcomers, New Games

While visiting Bright-Throat Village, you may come across Heed-Meeus, Dritan, and Jotep-Makka talking about teeba-hatsei and the arrival of newcomers. They are located on the Goods Pavilion in front of the Tree-Minder's house. The following conversation will occur:

Heed-Meeus: "There are so many new faces coming through Lilmoth since Cyrodilic Collections arrived. I hope more stop by the village."

Dritan: "You always want to meet new people. What's wrong with us? I just hope they bring some new games to Murkmire."

Heed-Meeus: "Ooh, yes! And we could teach them Teeba-Hatsei. Do you think they'd want to learn?"

Jotep-Makka: "How will they play Hip and Tail Ball without a tail?"

Heed-Meeus: "Maybe we could let them use their feet? We should find some visitors to try it out!"

Veeskhleel Encounter

Veeskhleel Encounter

You may come across a group of three Veeskhleel tribesmen in your travels.

A Kindly Local

Unwanted Assistance

While visiting Bright-Throat Village, you may come across Dashnu, a friendly Bright-Throat who is tending to Lernyelel, a visitor who felt ill. The following conversation can be overheard:

Dashnu: "Do not be alarmed, you will be all right. The grub-mash I gave you should alleviate your dryness."

Lernyelel: "Grub-mash! Ugh—is that what that awful taste is. Ulp—Auri-El have mercy."

Dashnu: "They are a bit like under-ripe tadpole, but their guts are very wet. Keep some in your pocket if you feel faint again."

Lernyelel: "Bluh—stop. Please! Just stop helping."

Bright-Throat Gossip

After completing Empty Nest, you may find Aliskeeh and Tseedasi talking about Haxara and Xal-Sisei in front of the Tree-Minder's hut. What they say depends on the choice you made at the end of the quest.

Dossith and Hleeran

Dossith and Hleeran

Occasionally, you'll find Dossith and Hleeran talking about Milzus near the chicken coop southwest of Bright-Throat Village's northeastern watchtower.

A Familiar Face

It's your old pal, Choixth

While traveling the roads of Murkmire, you may come across a familiar face. It's Choixth again!

Tourism

An arrangement gone awry

While on the road, you may encounter a visitor from Summerset and her Argonian guide. Anwelore didn't quite understand the implications of touring a swamp, and an exasperated Xamarz is trying to deal with the fuss her guest is kicking up.

The Rules of the Game

The Rules of the Game

Occasionally, you may find J'ram-Hei and Chukka-Jee attempting to explain the rules of teeba-hatsei to Gwinithor, an outsider.

Storytime

A peculiar problem

When traveling along the roads, you may encounter Ereel-Jush, a Dead-Water tribesman. He is speaking with Esmada, who wants to tell his tribe's stories to people in far-off lands, but is using flowery words to alter the stories to make them more palatable for foreign audiences, as they're quite graphic.

Helping Hands

A helpful couple

When entering Bright-Throat Village, you may see mates Grish and Ula-Kii discussing their plans to visit Root-Whisper Village and help out their new neighbors.

Forlorn Farewell

Farewell for now

While visiting Dead-Water Village, you may come across Juut, who is saying goodbye to his egg-sister. She is leaving home to serve the Root-Whisper tribe. They are standing in front of the Grave-Singer's Lodge.

Root-Whisper Residents

Root-Whisper Residents

In Root-Whisper Village, you'll find Wuleen-Meeus and Pawaj celebrating the Hist's awakening and mourning the death of whoever sacrificed themselves during By River and Root.

Blackguard Ambush

Blackguard Ambush

You may find a stone chest out in the wild. When you approach, you will be ambushed by a Blackguard Chemist and Ranger. Killing them nets you xp and allows you to loot the chest.

Slow Lock Picker

A lucky find

Just off the road, a Blackguard Chemist is impatiently waiting for a Stalker to pick the simple lock on a stone chest, while a Ranger looks on. You can kill them and pick the lock on the chest yourself.

Northern Elsweyr Events

These encounter will happen in Northern Elsweyr.

Euraxian Crew

You may encounter a small group of Euraxian soldiers around Northern Elsweyr, who can be overheard talking with each other.

Euraxian Knight: "I should have become a mage. Mages can cast spells to be rid of sand, can't they?"

Euraxian Spellblade: "That's your new way of saying you're tired of this place, right?"

Euraxian Battlemage: "Weren't you just complaining about snow a few months ago?"

Euraxian Knight: "My original question stands. This sand is worse than anything."

Euraxian Knight: "I'm surprised that we don't see giant balls of fur rolling across the landscape here."

Euraxian Spellblade: "Ummm … I'm pretty sure that every Khajiit is a giant ball of fur. Some more giant than others. Some less."

Euraxian Battlemage: "True enough. And if I find another bit of fur in my food, I'm going to hork up a furball soon."

Euraxian Knight: "Going native, eh? Well, just give me some warning before you do. I don't want to step in it."

Impromptu Sermon

Impromptu Sermon

You may encounter the moon-priest Mo'khu, trying to sermonize about the gods to a trio of hungry ruffians consisting of Zadeva, Sulema and Keshjo. They want to know where the food he bribed them with is.

Mo'khu: "It is time for this one to share lore about Alkosh, the Dragon King of Cats. Pay heed."

Sulema: "Bored now. Where is the food?"

Keshjo: "Alkosh? I'd rather be chased by guards than listen to this religious dreck. Hmmph."

Martial Training

While traveling on the roads of Northern Elsweyr, you may find Tashdu undergoing training to become a Vrin-Thak alongside Saziza, an aspiring Ziz Kurah adept.

Ruddy Fang Ambush

"Rajhin's shadow haunts you, dull claws. Let us dance to your death!"

While traveling through Northern Elsweyr, you may encounter a tied up Mercenary calling for help. However, when you try to help, the Khajiit will turn on you and a trio of Ruddy Fangs will join in with the ambush.

The Furstock Song

Ocasionally, you may come across a diverse group of Khajiit friends on the roads of Northern Elsweyr, sitting by a campfire. Their circle consists of Mojzin, Pajmina, Sharjo, Ilarana and Raiffi.

Terrorized by Terror Birds

Terrorized by Terror Birds

You can encounter a Khajiit traveler, pilgrim, or a merchant being scared off by a Terror Bird. This event can occur in Northern and Southern Elsweyr.

Traveling Companions

Khishmina and her party

You may come across a trio of characters on the side of the road during your travels. Their party consists of Khishmina, Mulabus and Arentus Rian. Each person has their own story to tell.

Necromancers

A practicing Necromancer

You may find a Necromancer out in the wilds of Northern and Southern Elsweyr, summoning Enthralled Zombies.

Southern Elsweyr

These encounters can be found in Southern Elsweyr

Cult Recruiters

Cult Recruiters

You will sometimes come across a New Moon Scorcher and Dreadnaught proselytizing to a Destitute Scavenger in the wilds of Southern Elsweyr. They promise salvation, and the scavenger seems convinced that the Order of the New Moon can help them. When you kill the cultists, the scavenger attacks you.

Taking a Break

Taking a Break

While traveling through or near South Guard Ruins, you might see a Black Gull Mariner, Corsair and Swashbuckler talking about Captain Za'ji and what it's like to be a raider.

Tourist Trap

Tourist Trap

You will see a Dagi named Esshri-dar and a Wood Elf named Borogas. Borogas hired Esshri-dar to bring him somewhere, but wasn't pleased when that location turned out to be in the middle of nowhere. Now he won't pay his guide. You can either intimidate Esshri-dar into not taking the money, or convince Borogas to pay up.

Visit From a Story Teller

Visit From a Story Teller

A moon-singer named Feziya-ko can be seen on the side of the road, accompanied by an Orc named Balga and two Khajiit, Fezzam and Trezzi. She can tell you one of two stories about Khunzar-ri.

Skooma Addict Shake-Down

Skooma Addict Shake-Down

While traveling along the road, you may come across a trio of Khajiit skooma addicts consisting of a Sugar-Tooth Moonmixer, Sugar-Tooth Thief and Sugar-Tooth Thug or Sugar-Tooth Cutthroat. The addicts will attempt to rob you. The thief is always the one who speaks when you engage the addicts in combat.

Khajiiti Kidnapping

"It's gone! Dragons burned everything. Khajiit has nothing to give!"

Save the Khajiit from Cat Gut reprobates

While roaming Southern Elsweyr you may overhear a Kidnapped Khajiit cry out. When you approach the voice, you will find them tied up and surround by two Cat Gut (Swashbucklers, Shipburners or Corsairs) or Raven's Roost (Marauders, Swashbucklers or Chemists) pirates who will then mock them. You can free the Khajiit by slaying the kidnappers. The Swashbuckler (who is always Imperial) is always the one who responds to the pirates' captive.

Obedience Training

Obedience Training

You will come across Tulip and her owner, Suroniir, a master animal handler from the conservatory at Sil-Var-Woad. Tulip's owner is trying to teach her some tricks, but Tulip isn't listening.

Teleporting Alfiq

Teleporting Alfiq

Occasionally, you'll see Dazreso-jo teleport to a location, briefly stand there, then teleport away.

Rich Refugees

Rich Refugees

You may see Halzom and his servants, Fabilius Eto and Rezzai, on the road. Halzom's estate was destroyed and his trading fleet was sacked by pirates, so now he's a refugee seeking to leave Southern Elsweyr.

Western Skyrim

These encounters occur in Western Skyrim

Drunk Nord Punch Up

Rolstag Encounter

Around Western Skyrim you may encounter a drunken Rolstag and his blacked out brethren. As you approach he will goad you to fight, if you delay or leave he will continue to taunt you. You have the option of fighting him.

Traveling Werewolves

"These s'wit's won't stop!"

While in the wilderness, you may cross two travelers talking between themselves while surrounded by the bodies of several Death Hunters. Once you are detected they will transform into werewolves and try to kill you.

Vampire Captive

Rescue the captive from the Vampires

You can encounter a pair of vampires and Death Hound taunting their captive. You can rescue them by killing the vampires.

Erlgald and Hafkyr

After drinking the offered mug

While on the roads within Western Skyrim, you may encounter Erlgald and Hafkyr drinking. If you talk with Erlgand, he will ask if you want to drink with them. If you say yes, you will receive a mug of Sailor's Warning Festival Grog. If you refuse, Ergland will accept it and tell you can stay with them nonetheless.

Skeever Kabobs

Skeever Kabobs

You may encounter Fjagus on the side of the road, peddling his Skeever Kabobs. You can buy them for 9 gold.

Hungry Vampires

In Blackreach: Greymoor Caverns, you may encounter two vampires feeding on an unconscious Victim. A variant of this is when two vampires come up to a third one and complain about them not sharing. You can kill the vampires to free their captive.

Priesthood of Jhunal

Priesthood of Jhunal

While traveling the roads of Western Skyrim, you may encounter Brother Frongrif who will offer you a copy of Jhunal the Rune God.

Elsbytte and Muffins

Elsbytte and Muffins reunited

Elsbytte can be found around Western Skyrim searching for her pet mammoth, Muffins.

Death Hunters

The Death Hunters sight another Werewolf

A trio of Death Hunters can be found standing around a slain werewolf, once they see you they will recognize you as werewolf and attack.^{[verification needed — only appear for werewolves?]}

Lost Explorer

"Have you ever been to Blackreach?"

Captain Belenus is looking for Blackreach. You can choose whether or not to tell him where it is.

Mining Demonstration

"Watch me do it!"

Pairs of vampires in charge of a group of Harrowed can be found around Blackreach: Greymoor Caverns. The harrowed lack the skills to be effective miners and one of the vampires will get frustrated enough to demonstrate themselves. If you kill them, a captive will be aware enough to thank you and escape.

The Reach

These encounters are found in The Reach.

The Storyteller

A Reachfolk Storyteller

Calbokh, a vateshran, or storyteller, can be found in various locations around the Reach. He can be paid or persuaded to tell three different stories.

The Namiran Witchman

Witchman Baircallas

Witchman Baircallas can be found over the carcass of a dead baby deer. He can be asked of what signs the deer's carcass means for your future.

Reachfolk Hunter

Reachfolk Hunter

Reachfolk Hunters are Reachfolk that appear as a part of random encounters in the Reach. They can be seen aiming with bow at their prey and then shooting. After successfully delivering a killing blow to an animal they approach the carcass to collect game of the hunted animal. They have no unique dialogue.

One Last Brawl

Mercenary Veteran

A random encounter that is shared with Wrothgar. Killing them will grant you the Achievement One Last Brawl.

Melina Cassel

Melina in the Reach

Melina Cassel is a Breton vampire of House Ravenwatch. She can be met and talked to on numerous occasions in the Reach zone. Melina doesn't spawn at the same spots as other random encounters, but tends to spawn near them and is associated with the achievement A Friend in Deed. For more information, visit her character page.

Evone

Evone

You will meet Evone, a condescending Reachman who is resting on the side of the road.

Fleeing Reachmen

Fleeing Reachmen

Fynvagh, Drisoal, and Anadeth can be encountered fleeing from the Gray Host to Markarth.

Blackwood

These encounters can be found in Blackwood

Fashion Advice

Presenting the outfit

Sevilo Andus and Garas Llaren can be found on the roads around Blackwood. Sevilo will want your advice on picking an oufit to wear while he has his portrait painted with Garas.

Spirit Cleansing

Spirit Hunter Mayrineh gets results

When Spirit Hunter Mayrineh is encountered, Mayrineh will sense a spiritual entity hanging around you. After answering her questions, she will attempt to cleanse it, the spirit that appears will depend on the results of her questionnaire. She can summon Tharer Alver, Elder Bereha, or a Hagraven.

An Explorer's Encounter with a Death Hopper

Explorer and Deathhopper

In the wilds of Blackwood, you can find an Explorer getting close to a Deathopper before it swallows them whole. You can rescue the Explorer by slaying the frog.

Speaking with Squirrels

Roslynne on the roads of Blackwood

You'll find Roslynne on the road, feeding some Squirrels. Apparently, the squirrels have hidden treasure somewhere.

Magnificent Magician

Ylahizu the Magnificent displays his miraculous mastery of magicka

Ylahizu the Magnificent can be found on the roads of Blackwood. He will attempt to entice you with his magical talents. For a fee, he will perform a spell for you.

By Azura!

"By Azura! By Azura! By Azura! I can't believe this. Is it really you?"

The Adoring Admirer can be found in various locations on the roads of Blackwood. This reckless Wood Elf will be stunned and excited, as he cannot believe he's in the presence of such a hero.

Ruinach Run-In

Ruinach Run-In

You'll find Tlexul and Peek-Sa sitting at their campfire on the side of the road. They're lost, and have a short conversation. Suddenly, a portal opens up, depositing a Ruinach in the middle of their camp. The Daedra kills them, leaving you to send it back to where it came from.

Psijic Apprentice

Psijic Apprentice

Psijic Apprentices can be found in Blackwood. You may come across them being harassed by Daedra, such as a Watcher or Clannfear. If the player assists them, the apprentice will use abilities from the Psijic skill line to aid the player such as Time Stop and Mend Wounds. Once the battle is over, the apprentice will comment on the situation and teleport away.

It's Just a Prank, Bro!

Vetra-Maxath

Sali-Raniur convinces his friend Vetra-Maxath to drink tree sap as part of a prank, which causes him to turn into Argonian Behemoth.

Divination, Pay in Advance

"This one has fortunes if you have coin."

Zahsbi the Prophet offers to peek into your future—for a price.

The Deadlands

These encounters can be found only in The Deadlands

Bone Incinerator Posse

Four bone incinerators erupt from a flaming tree stump

While under a lightning storm, a lightning bolt may strike a large tree stump and produce an explosion of fire, from which 4 Bone Incinerators will emerge and attack.

Bone Incinerator Stuck in a Tree

A bone incinerator slumps against a fiery tree while its buddy is trapped inside

The second bone incinerator, inside the fiery tree, is trying to get out

You'll come across a fiery tree with a Bone Incinerator slumped over against the outside. Inside the tree, a second Bone Incinerator is pounding on the inside of the tree, trying to get out.

Briggan the Lost

Occasionally, Briggan the Lost will appear at a campfire. If you ask him for a blessing, he gives you a 10% bonus to your health.

Daedric Gate Portal

A Daedric Gate will appear. A dremora, Fothxura, will step out of it, speaking to its Banekin, Qukikh. Fothxura realises Qukikh teleported them to the wrong place. Then they step back through the Gate Portal and disappear.

Dremora Conjurer

A Dremora Conjurer will attempt to open a portal Nirn but a creature from Nirn emerges instead and kills the Conjurer.

High Isle and Amenos

These encounters can be found on High Isle and Amenos

Adventure Advice

"We must hasten to our next adventure!"

The Breton knight Sir Coliinean Maurard can be overheard arguing with his squire. Speak to Squire Lyna Errard to suggest an adventure for them. On your next encounter with them, you can inquire as to the success of their adventure and suggest another one.

Crab Attack

"Not another one!"

You may find Cynric Acques being attacked by coral crabs on the side of the road.

Escaping the Islands

Escapees trying to escape further

On Amenos, you may run into Bumgrakh, Mathluz, and Charbel Valtieri, who can't make up their minds about how best to effect their escape from the island.

The Ghost Ship

The ghost ship

You may find a ghost ship headed by Captain Ambre Denile in the waterways around the zone. The captain will summon a wave of undead to assault you, and disappears once her minions have been felled.

Lava Vent

Lava Vent

Lava Vents are singular smoldering spots on the ground, scattered around High Isle and Amenos. These are smaller versions of the Volcanic Vents. When active, the vent will spawn several common monsters, and, once they're defeated, a Vulk'esh Elder or Iron Atronach. Defeating the latter marks the encounter as completed. They have an associated achievement.

The Slipperiest Pirate

"The charges include larceny, goat smuggling..."

Around High Isle you can encounter Timeo Dubroc who has captured Minasi Nelvilo, a notorious criminal. Each time you talk to him, Minasi will escape once more.

The Vulk'esh Tamer

"Rocky no! Don't do this!"

Jolie Virane is unsuccessfully attempting to ride a small Vulk'esh which she has named Rocky. When you kill Rocky, a larger vulk'esh will approach as Jolie thanks you for your assistance. Seeking to tame the new arrival, Jolie approaches the beast, which promptly roasts her with its fiery breath.

Galen

These encounters may happen in the Galen regions.

Bounty Hunter

Tarani Relarys

Tarani Relarys is a Dark Elf bounty hunter who is tracking down the three fugitives on Galen: Urredhel, Elissa Marcellinus and Sabashur. You can ask about her mark's description and location to track them down and kill them yourself. Doing so for all three marks will result in an achievement.

Firestarter

"Quick and quiet, now. I want to see it burn."

Darroll Ilsene asks you to kick the spriggan he is sneaking up on into some lava. You can follow his instructions or just fight the spriggan. Either way, another spriggan will retaliate. Kicking the spriggan into the lava will result in an achievement.

Frog-Licking Frenzy

"Well hello there! If I could just have one lick …."

Drifts-on-Clouds wants to lick every frog. He asks you to help him lick a Bull-Horned Magma Frog. If you dig it up for him, it'll kill him.

Druid and the Squirrel

"I'm a druid! A steward of nature! Not a damn waiter! Why doesn't she understand that?"

Druid Erold talks with a demanding squirrel.

Imperial Scholar and Nord Bodyguard

"You're not paying me for conversation."

Learn about the troubles between the arrogant Imperial scholar Ignatius Galenus and his frustrated Nord bodyguard Eyfi.

A Lesson in Intimidation

"Your gold. Can I have it. Please?"

Glenormir is a Sea Elf bandit who attempts to threaten you to prove himself to his pirate boss, but he is not very good at his job. You can give him some gold, advise him on how to be more intimidating, or threaten him instead.

Maelizah

"Such vibrant greens, such rich blues! I've never seen colors so resplendent before!"

Maelizah looks for inspiration and sketches the vistas in Galen.

Size Matters

"Ah, would you care to help me test out some magic I'm working on? I promise it will be amusing, not deadly."

Naleno Navur is a Dark Elf Stonelore Circle druid. She needs a volunteer test subject for a new alteration spell that will make people smaller or larger.

Soulrazer Ritual

The Soulrazer ritual

Melalduil is a High Elf prisoner that is sacrificed by a necromancer to awaken a Soulrazer Knight Sentinel when encountered overland.

Visions and Whispers

"My eyes and ears deceive me. Do you speak? Are you quiet? Is the grass shriveled or vibrant?"

Listen to Druid Hester's crazed ramblings about a destruction to come.

Injured Bear and Poachers

The injured bear caught in a trap

You can find Injured Bears around Galen that have been caught in a bear trap. You have the option of freeing the bear and dealing with the Poachers that come out to stop you.

Telvanni Peninsula

These encounters may be found in the Necrom region.

Bound Soul Gem

A floating bound soul gem begs for help. Once you free the soul inside, it attacks you.

Magic Duel

Magic Duel

Two mages, Urvel Favel and Hadurubel, are having an epic duel to determine which of them is more worthy of rising to the next rank in House Telvanni. You can give one of them a suggestion on how to efficiently best their opponent.

Bug Off

Ravyn conks out

A traveler, Ravyn Gimayn, bumps into a Fetcherfly Nest and kicks it in frustration. He is promptly attacked by a swarm of fetcherflies. He asks you to help him out, and a hive golem forms to defend the nest. Once the creature and the bugs are fended off, Ravyn thanks you, kicks the nest again, and flees from the resulting swarm of angry insects.

The Ideal Pet

Ulmesi Indules is trying to decide what to feed a wild alit in an effort to tame it. She asks for your help in deciding which treat she should feed it: she has sweet Torchbug Treacle and sour Scrib-Jelly Sujamma. If you tell her to feed it the sour treat, the alit kills her before turning on you. The sweet treat causes the creature to puke on her, killing her and turning aggressive to the player.

Let Sleeping Wamasu Lie

Researcher Fendar is a Dark Elf researcher who can be encountered on the Telvanni Peninsula. He is curious about a sleeping wamasu. The encounter doesn't end well for him.

Offerings Argument

"He thinks he's better than I am because he's bringing homemade goods to Necrom."

Galdal Alor and Balver Manas are pilgrims traveling to Necrom to honor their ancestors. They can be overheard arguing about whether or not bought offerings are good enough, and you can weigh in on the topic.

Quiet Meditation

Boler Ules is wandering around the peninsula, taking in the sights before he makes the final journey to Necrom.

Apocrypha

Shard Spirit

Elodique Ondre's soul is trapped in a shard but turns hostile upon release.

Melisande and Hermaeus Mora

Melisande approaches the Watcher

Melisande Lort will be looking for Hermaeus Mora in Apocrypha and keeps mistaking various Watchers for him. During this encounter, the watcher will become hostile.

West Weald

Aspiring Necromancer

Baeralornil's ritual

A Wood Elf named Baeralornil learned that he has some Ayleid ancestry and is attempting to resurrect a hoarvor on the side of the road. You can advise him to do more research into the art of raising the dead before attempting the ritual, or leave him to it.

Dark Company Prisoner Escort

"Move along. This doesn't concern you."

You can come across a Dark Company Enforcer and a Dark Company Archer escorting a Prisoner on the road between Ontus Wayshrine and North Hook Wayshrine. If you want to, you can fight the guards and free the prisoner.

Drunk Before Work

"Oh. Oh ooo. Traveler, can you stop? I'm very lost. And a bit woozy."

You'll meet a drunk Orc named Razburzog out on the road. She's looking for her place of employment, a vineyard. You direct her to Skingrad or another location, and she'll start moseying in that direction.

Legion Deserter

"Pretend you never saw me, traveler."

You'll meet an injured Imperial Legion deserter from Chorrol named Feronia on the side of the road. When you finish your conversation, she runs off towards Anvil.

Philosophical Discussion

You'll find Agmund the Insightful and Isayas lost on the side of the road. You can talk to them to learn more about the philosophical debate that got them lost in the first place, and you can weigh in on the topic.

Roadside Wisp-Talker

Phythia and the wisps

You may encounter Phythia dancing as three wisps float passively around her. You can ask her to tell you your fortune.

Witches Festival

These encounters only appear during the Witches Festival.

Several encounters are added to the game for the duration of the Witches Festival. Many of them are connected to the others by the mysterious figure Khal H. Hughez.

The Weeper

The Weeper and the Ominous Gravestone

The Weeper appears to be a Wood Elf crying at an ominous gravestone, found in the wilderness. When approached, she will instead take on a ghostly form and attack the player. The gravestone will spawn zombies continuously, with a maximum of two in the fight at a time. When destroyed, the grave mound may be dug up for the Worn Child's Doll, which can be used in the Mother Semuzi encounter.

Grieving Bosmer

The Grieving Bosmer

The Grieving Bosmer is a Wood Elf who can be found on the roads around Tamriel during the Witches Festival as a part of a random encounter. She is weeping over a grave. She is a separate encounter from The Weeper.

Festive Witch

The Festive Witch about to spawn some monsters

The Festive Witch is found leaning over a cauldron in the wild. She will summon three enemies from the cauldron to attack anyone who approaches, then disappear. Defeating the enemies will spawn the Witch's Chest, with the Cat-Shaped Ward inside. This may be used as a part of the Witch-Killer Caurdreth encounter.

The Chest of Fear

Two wolves spawning for someone with a fear of werewolves

The Chest of Fear is a combat event that can be encountered in the wilderness. In the encounter location, an oblivion portal can be seen. Approaching it will cause two waves of enemies to spawn. If the player has the Hollowjack Haunted debuff from the Priestess Noebelle encounter, the enemies will correspond to the chosen fear. Otherwise, these enemies will be Hollowjack versions of other monsters encountered in Tamriel, Forest Wraiths, Pumpkin Specters, or Hollowjack Senche-Panthers. Upon defeating them, the chest of fear will spawn and the portal will disappear. Inside the chest is the old silver fork that can be given to Crafter Skaldolf in his encounter.

Priestess Noebelle

Priestess Noebelle

Priestess Noebelle is a priestess of Arkay who may be encountered along the roads. She will inquire about any fears the player may have. However, this has the unfortunate result of Hollowjack learning of their fears. If the player tells Priestess Noebelle that they have a fear, they will hear Hollowjack's menacing laugh and receive the Hollowjack Haunted debuff. This will alter the Chest of Fear encounter to spawn monsters corresponding to the fears. ^{Priestess Noebelles page says that Khal H. Hughez will not spawn while affected by the debuff - can this be verified?}

Mother Semuzi

Mother Semuzi and her flowers

Mother Semuzi is a Khajiit mother who can be found tending a flower in tribute to her deceased daughter. After listening to her talk about the accident that claimed her daughters life, the player may offer her the Worn Child's Doll from the Weeper event, which turns out to be her daughters doll.

Witch-Killer Caurdreth

Witch-Killer Caurdreth

Witch-Killer Caurdreth is a High Elf who can be encountered along with his dog. He will brag how he killed a 'witch' who offered him a Cat-Shaped protective ward, claiming she really wanted to curse him. If the player offers him the Cat-Shaped Ward from the Festive Witch encounter, he will be chased off by ghostly senches.

Crafter Skaldolf

Crafter Skaldolf before a gravestone

Crafter Skaldolf may be found lamenting on the prospect of being forgotten in death, in front of a gravestone. The player may try to soothe his fears, or threaten to kill him. If they have acquired the spoon from the chest of fear encounter, they may give him that to prove that a persons legacy may live on in death.

The Skull Relic

The Hollowjack Chest beneath a receding portal

This encounter is only available after completing Mother Semuzi, Witch-Killer Caurdreth, and Crafter Skaldolf's encounters by using the items from the Weeper, Festive Witch, and the Chest of Fear encounters. A small Oblivion portal will appear along the roadside. From it, a Hollowjack Chest will spawn. Inside this chest is the Skull Relic. This may be given to Khal H. Hughez during his encounter in order to finish this series of events.

Khal H. Hughez

The mysteriously costumed Khal H. Hughez

Khal H. Hughez is a mysterious costumed figure that may be encountered stealing from a backpack. He enjoys collecting trinkets with a sentimental value to the owners. Interestingly enough, his name is an anagram of Hha-Lugh-Zhek. The similarity between his collecting and several other encounters involving sentimental items during the Witches Festival is no coincidence; by completingg the Mother Semuzi, Witch-Killer Caurdreth, and the Crafter Skaldolf encounters, the player can find the Skull Relic. The player can ask if this belongs to Khal, who will also claim ownership of the relics found in the previous events. He will however, concede that the players finding of the Cat-Shaped Ward revealed Caurdreth to be a murderer. He will stun the player with a fear debuff and disappear in flames. Anytime you encounter him again, he will bow to you, and then he will summon a portal and, guarded by two Pumpkin Spectres, disappear in it. You will hear his cackle when the portal vanishes.

Ereel-Julan

Ereel-Julan and her protector

Ereel-Julan is a nervous Argonian who may be encountered on the roadside along with her silent bodyguard. It seems that Hollowjack has been tormenting her and has left her terrified of crowds. She will tell the player to leave if they mention Hollowjack's name, or warn them not to talk to him if they're more considerate.

Gunozag the Extorter

The hideously costumed Gunozag

Gunozag the Extorter is a costumed Orc who may be encountered alongside highways. He will attempt to extort gold from non-threatening players, under threat of a mysterious curse. If the player is under the effects of the Witchmother's Brew or wearing Witch's Infernal Hat, he will offer a steep discount on his extortion and can easily be intimidated into giving up his own treasures.

Hollowjack Broken

The Hollowjack Broken just wants to be left alone

Hollowjack Broken are paranoid warriors who may be encountered surrounded by corpses in the wilds. They will warn any approaching players to stay away, suspecting them to be monsters. Should the player ignore this warning and approach, they will attack the player.

The Cowardly Bandits

A group of three bandits may be encountered, one of which will be a Bandit Leader. Among the bandits there also is a Bandit Chemist. The leader will chide his compatriots for being spooked by the season with one of the following lines:

Bandit Leader: Enough! Any more superstitious drivel and you'll both get something to fear!

Bandit Leader: No more talk of witches and ghosts! You're jumping at shadows.

Bandit Leader: Keep your eyes open. Witches Festival or not, you gutless fools have a job to do.

If the player approaches under the effects of the Witchmother's Brew, the Leaders allies will flee and he will turn hostile and yell:

Bandit Leader: "That is not real! Don't-don't-don't you dare run away! I am surrounded by cowards."

Otherwise, it runs as a typical hostile encounter.

Zeal of Zenithar

Juste Nin, one of the Zeal of Zenithar roadside encounters

The following characters can be encountered during the Zeal of Zenithar event:

• Audremard Petit
• Begs-In-Wilds
• Endia
• Grat
• Nafzileh and Oorlar
• Juste Nin
• Yrgrid
• Zalezu and Taren Sethandas