Alter Aeon Online Help

Keywords are:  'encounters boarders'

Encounters are uncommon happenings where a player may suddenly be
confronted with creatures or sailing vessels. These happen in wilderness
areas outside of towns and cities or while sailing on the ocean. The most
common sort encounter are boarders, which are monsters that climb into a
ship to interact with (usually attack) those within.

Encounters on land can typically be avoided by going around them, fleeing
or recalling.  Ship encounters can be avoided by recalling, but you risk
your vessel being plundered for goods or equipment if you leave it to the
mercy of invaders.

If not involved in combat, encountered creatures will disappear after a
few minutes.