The BRPG Encounter Table offers a unique set of challenges and opportunities in the Promised Land.
Encounters in the Land of Promise
This encounter table is designed for the location of Joshua 1, reflecting the momentous transition of Israel into the Promised Land and the inherent challenges and opportunities presented to the people of Israel. Each encounter urges the party to contemplate the importance of faith, leadership, and divine guidance as they navigate their mission.
Very Hurtful Encounters (1-5)
- A fierce band of Canaanite raiders ambushes you. There are 4 raiders, each with 15 HP, attacking with a +5 to hit, dealing 1d8+2 damage. You must roll a DC 14 to escape unscathed, or suffer 10 damage each.
- You stumble upon a cursed altar with strange symbols. Any character that approaches must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or gain disadvantage on all Wisdom checks for the next 24 hours.
- A false prophet claims to speak on behalf of Yahweh, misleading you with a fabricated prophecy. You are directed to a false location promising treasure; you waste 3 days traveling and suffer exhaustion, granting disadvantage on your next roll.
- You accidentally break an ancient pottery shard that belongs to a local deity, incurring the wrath of the locals. You must make a DC 13 Charisma check to appease them, or lose 2 HP from the resulting scuffles.
- You find a dying traveler who tells you that he saw Israel’s spies; however, he is a traitor who spreads fear. You must succeed on a DC 12 Insight check to recognize his deceit, or you lose allies in the next town.
Moderate Nuisance Encounters (6-10)
- You encounter a merchant selling “ancient relics” but they are all fakes. He tries to sell you a “sacred” stone for 5 silver pieces. You can roll a DC 10 Investigation to uncover the deception.
- A wild animal steals your supplies overnight. Roll a DC 12 Perception check to spot its tracks and recover half of what you lost.
- You are stopped by a group of skeptical locals who want proof of your mission. Roll a DC 10 Persuasion check to convince them, or lose 1 day of travel time.
- A minor landslide occurs, blocking your path. You must make a DC 14 Athletics check to clear it, or spend an extra hour navigating around it.
- An outspoken elder tells you about the lands ahead but exaggerates dangers. You receive +1 to all future survival rolls in this area but are misled about one nearby location.
Somewhat Helpful Encounters (11-15)
- An old warrior shares his knowledge of Canaanite strategies. You gain +1 to tactics rolls for the next battle.
- You find a discarded scroll with ancient wisdom. Any character that reads it gains +1 Intelligence until the next sunrise.
- A passing traveler offers you a small bag of barley. Gain 5 rations, but you must share this with at least one other party member.
- You find a weathered map that reveals shortcuts through the terrain, allowing you to skip one day of travel at a crucial moment.
- A well-respected leader tells you to strengthen your resolve. All party members gain +1 to any Charisma checks for the next interaction.
Very Helpful Encounters (16-20)
- You discover a hidden cache of provisions, including 3 healing herbs and a loaf of bread. Each party member can regain 5 HP if used.
- You meet a priest who provides guidance on the laws of Moses, granting +2 to Wisdom checks for conversions with local authorities.
- A wandering bard sings a song of Israel’s victories. You gain +1 Morale, which grants advantage on your next challenge.
- You find a sacred stone inscribed with encouraging messages. Parties can use it to reroll a failed skill check once.
- You witness a miraculous event, strengthening your faith. All party members gain a +1 bonus to their next attack roll.
Extremely Helpful Encounters (21-25)
- A commander offers you weaponry from his surplus, providing each member with +1 to attack and damage rolls for one combat.
- You find an ancient scroll detailing God’s promises to Israel which grants +1 to all Faith rolls for the next 48 hours.
- A divine messenger appears, delivering a prophecy that reveals a hidden enemy. Roll with advantage against ambushes for the next two encounters.
- A local tribe hears of your quest and pledges their allegiance. You gain 3 local allies who can assist in combat or provide valuable information.
- You receive a vision that reveals the location of hidden treasure (a chest containing 50 gold pieces and a magical amulet that allows the wearer to cast Bless once per day). Your party shall have a significant economic boost.
Bible Trivia Encounter
The following questions can be used to test your knowledge regarding Joshua 1. Players can roll a d20 and add the number of correct answers to the roll for a total score.
- What command did the Lord give to Joshua regarding courage and strength? (hardest)
- What was to happen to the land that Joshua would possess? (hard)
- What instruction did God give regarding meditation on the Book of the Law? (medium)
- Which river did the Israelites have to cross to enter the Promised Land? (easy)
- Who was Joshua’s predecessor? (very easy)
Roll 1d20.
Add the number of correct answers.
Final result = 1–25.
Correct Answers
- 1. Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or discouraged.
- 2. The land was to be given to the people of Israel.
- 3. Meditate on it day and night to be careful to do everything written in it.
- 4. The Jordan River.
- 5. Moses.
Related Articles
- BRPG Encounter Table: Journeys Along the Path of Judah
- BRPG Encounter Table: Encounters Along the Path of Judah
- False Prophets in Deuteronomy 13 – Topic Study
- Divine Guidance in Wilderness Journeys – Topic Study
