short exploration

metaballs.py

import bpy
from random import random, randrange

set_layer = lambda y: tuple(i == y for i in range(0, 20))

co = (0, 0, 0)
add_metaball = bpy.ops.object.metaball_add
add_metaball(type='BALL', enter_editmode=True, location=co, layers=set_layer(0))
obj = bpy.context.active_object.data

for i in range(20):
    obj.elements.new()
    x, y, z = tuple(randrange(-4,4) * random() for i in range(3))
    obj.elements[-1].co = (x, y, z)
    
print('done')