http://goldsaucerdotnet.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/everyday-skyrim.jpg

I never actually had them yield by sheating my own weapon, but the runners/screamers who get into fetal position is quite common. Just happened to me a few minutes ago in fact, amusing enough it was the Bandit Chief. It was at Robber's Gorge, I had finished off all his guys and ran to the main shack where he stormed towards me. I expected I huge fight, but after two hits which barely caused any damage he just ran off. I jumped up on some rocks and saw him crouching down further down the road. Not knowing the added lines given by sheating, I left him alone.

One time it happened before I had even attacked anyone, I just ran towards the cave and he went into fetal position as on commando, maybe he was a left over from my last raid? Anyhow, he knew how badass I was, kudos to him. Killed him anyways though (wanted his arrows and other potential loot) but I did feel slightly sorry about it.

I tried the "sheathe trick" some of you guys are suggesting on some thugs and other enemies but it didn't work. Are you guys sure this works? Even if it does work on rare occassions or only woth certain enemies it's annoying and unrealistic when every enemy yields and almost every enemy decides to keep fighting again even though he's obviously beaten.