Editing Encounter (section)

==Influencing Encounters==
Abilities such as [[Torneko Taloon]]'s [[Padfoot]] enable players to avoid or reduce the probability of Random Encounters if the player does not wish to fight in order to save time or {{HP}}. Both Random and Pedometer encounters can be prevented all together for a short time through use of the [[Holy water]] item or the spell [[Holy Protection]], provided the lead character's level is higher than the region's benchmark.  In the games that it's available in, the [[Gospel ring]] when equipped by a currently active character will remove random encounters altogether.

Similarly, if one wishes to battle more (perhaps for {{Exp}}), he or she might use other abilities increase the probability of having a Random Encounter, or, such as in the case of [[Whistle]] or the [[Lyre of Ire]], cause one immediately.  As an opposite of Holy water, use of [[Musk]] or [[Monster munchies]] will increase the encounter rate.

In {{Dragon Quest IX}}, the mechanics had a significant change: encounters are now initiated by interacting with monsters on the field. Some enemies will always charge at the [[party]] or give chase upon spotting them regardless of how much higher the lead character's level is, making [[Vanish]] useful for avoiding detection in all circumstances. Initiating an encounter when the monster's back is turned increases the chances of getting the first strike (and vice versa, if the party is chased).