What triggers some NPC hostility?

For example, I’m not sided with the Stormcloaks or Imperials (though I did just get in the thieves guild), was walking down the road last night and encountered a mage by a standing stone. I start to fight with him, then run like a little girl to give some berth to his summons, and time for me to think. While running, I come across 3 Stormcloak soldiers walking down the road. Just getting near to them triggered the ‘This doesn’t concern you’ dialog. The weapons also get drawn, if I don’t back off, they’d probably attack. From there I tested something, I ran back towards the danger which I had fled from, and drew it near the guards. They treated it like a brawl and just sort of stood there watching instead of assisting. They step over the dead body once the battle was over and continued on their way. At least I pick-pocketed one on her way out. But it left me wondering the different triggers.

So what actually triggers that type of action, vs the random NPCs helping you out with various other encounters?


Also no clue if this is a glitch or just weird NPC stuff…..I’ve been around NPCs who think there’s a fight going on and are doing whatever they can to get to it, yet nothing indicates a hostility is occurring.
What triggers some NPC hostility?

Random NPCs are Self Interested and Territorial. They will only get involved in battles when something in the game, or you, attacks them. NPCs will also attack when you draw near their base.

During a certain quest, some NPC factions will be hostile to you, in certain areas. This will remain that way after that quest line is completed.

As for some NPCs thinking there is a battle going on, something triggered them into combat mode and that will pass after a bit. More than likely an animal or creature was around.

Ah, gotcha. I've run across so very few hostile guards from either faction on the road (within their own camps, different story). So now, with some quests active they probably smell it on me and don't like me. LOL.

I was chatting to one of those wandering minstrel types when we were both attacked by wolves. The wolves were easily dealt with. However ... I whipped out my healing hands spell and used it on the minstrel, who took it as a hostile act and proceeded to attack/chase me

A little glitch there perhaps.

Yup, I came across the naked reveler and I didn't have any mead on me, so I blasted him with a calm spell. I figured he'd enjoy it, being a party guy and all, b/c I figured it probably gives you a nice mellow high.

I was wrong. He immediately came at me with fists drawn, which is totally not cool man. Me and jzargo had to put him down. He will be missed.

Healing Spells cast on NPCs has always been seen as an attack for some reason. There is an NPC in Morrowind and if you try to heal her before the quest is given to heal her, she sees that as an attack. Healing Hands is only for your followers (there may be a quest that needs this but I have not seen it)


Strangely, Calm is an attack spell. It is used in battles to get them to stop fighting you.

I agree that both of these spells should not be seen as an attack, but then, it would be easier for someone to spam the spells and drive up the governing skills.

There is one misc quest I ran into where an NPC asks for healing; you can either give him a potion or cast a healing spell on him, either works.

Courage doesn't trigger hostility. I powerskilled Illusion by spamming Courage on random NPCs as I walked around towns.