Naftal wrote: »

If you spend too long in a fight with them.

that doesn't seem correct. the incident that prompted me to ask this, as soon as i was spotted, i stealthed and started running away & i was instakilled within 2 seconds.

RNGeeze wrote: »

https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/367163/instantly-killed-by-a-guard

This is a post from some time back but seems relevant as there’s a few comments saying it’s working as intended. Wether or not this is factual someone more experienced with combat with guards can offer some insight.

If you were hit by a skill from the guards called "Piercing Bolt" then this is indeed working as intended. Piercing Bolt does 110% of your health as damage so it is effectively a one shot one kill mechanic the guards have been designed to have.

thanks! the answer was in one of the comments in that thread,

"[...] doesn't reset until you rezone. So if you are getting away from guards multiple times before rezoning, you'll be one-shot eventually."

that sounds very likely, as it was the umpteenth time i instantly stealthed after being spotted by a guard.
will keep this in mind for the future, cheers.

I also had the piercing bolt get shot at me when doing further crimes while being chased. Like using vampire abilities to try and get away like Mistform to remove talons and get away from stuns.