Ever since the Three Banners War started in 2E 580, the roads of Tamriel became increasingly dangerous by the week. Cultists, pirates, brigands, bandits, and highwaymen grew considerably bolder, attacking more frequently and sometimes even more openly. Larger numbers of people were attacked and robbed, or even killed, for whatever valuables they had.

This was technically how Anurri ended up being attacked and kidnapped by Cultists while she was traveling, leading to the bloody end of her mortal life upon a sacrificial ritual altar and the start of her journey as a Soul Shriven. But even after she reclaimed her soul and identity, the danger on the roads of Tamriel continued to persist. The lawlessness continued to pervade the lands between the towns and cities.

Unfortunately most of these criminals don't carry much if any money on them. Their coin pouches are rather light and sometimes even empty. This is why Anurri dislikes fighting them; armor and clothing damage is unavoidable in a fight and the spoils she gets when she manages to win is not enough to cover the cost of repair materials.