BRPG Encounter Table: Tribal Tensions and Divine Encounters in Joshua 22

Explore the Joshua 22 encounter table, focusing on tribal tensions and divine encounters.

Nuanced Encounter Table for Joshua 22

This encounter table is designed for a campaign set during the time of the book of Joshua, particularly focusing on the events surrounding the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Players will navigate the complexities of inter-tribal relations as they fulfill their mission, encountering various NPCs, discovering relics, and facing challenges that test their resolve and character.

Table

Extremely Hurtful (1-5)

  1. A fierce warrior from the tribe of Benjamin accuses you of harboring ill intentions towards the tribes on the other side of the Jordan, challenging you to a duel. He has 15 HP, +3 attack, and AC 13. If you lose, you suffer -2 to your next negotiation attempts.
  2. A group of angry citizens mistakenly blame you for the construction of an altar resembling one from Canaanite practices. They throw stones, inflicting 1d6 damage. You also receive a -1 penalty to your reputation in the area.
  3. You encounter a false prophet who claims the altar built by the Reubenites is an abomination. He offers you a silver coin (worth 10 shekels) to spread his false word. If accepted, your credibility suffers a -2 penalty for future interactions.
  4. Upon return to your camp, you find your supplies have been raided by thieves. You lose 50% of your food and other resources. You must roll a DC 10 Survival check to avoid enduring starvation penalties.
  5. You stumble upon a pitfall trap set by the inhabitants of Canaan, inflicting 1d8 damage if you fail a DC 12 Dex save. Those who fall are also immobilized for one turn.

Moderate Nuisance (6-10)

  1. As you travel, a local merchant tries to sell you “sacred” stones that he claims can bring luck. He demands 15 shekels; they are actually ordinary rocks. You waste resources unless you roll a DC 13 Insight check to see through his deception.
  2. You overhear a dispute between two Ephraimite farmers regarding the ownership of land near the Jordan. They ask for your assistance. If you resolve the issue, you may gain their favor, earning +1 to Charisma for future negotiations.
  3. A traveling Israelite shares troubling news about potential conflict arising from misunderstandings between the tribes. Roll a DC 10 Insight to glean valuable information that grants you +2 to persuasion attempts in the next town.
  4. You find a worn-out map depicting hidden caves rumored to contain ancient artifacts. However, the map is old and unclear, requiring a DC 15 History check to decipher accurately.
  5. An old wise woman tells you that the tribes are feeling uneasy about the altar’s significance. She offers a charm that grants +1 to your wisdom for the next engagement if you listen to her tales.

Somewhat Helpful (11-15)

  1. You encounter a friendly Levite who provides background information about the history of the Reubenites’ journey and the significance of their actions. This grants you +1 to any History checks related to tribal disputes.
  2. A merchant accepts your offer of trade and gives you a shield that provides +1 to AC and hints at the importance of local customs. You now have the opportunity to learn a local tradition that could aid your quest.
  3. You find a small pouch of 20 shekels in the grass, likely left behind from passing travelers. This can be used to bribe or trade with NPCs.
  4. A carpenter offers to repair your gear if you help him gather materials in exchange. After completing the task, you receive a +1 bonus to your armor class for the next battle.
  5. Sailing down the Jordan, you spot a fisherman who shares tips on navigating the waters. You gain +2 to any future water-based travel checks.

Very Helpful (16-20)

  1. You meet a returning delegation from the tribes of Reuben and Gad who appreciate your efforts to understand their viewpoint. They grant you a token of goodwill, providing +3 to negotiation rolls.
  2. A priest in the area offers you a blessing that grants +1 to your next attack roll. He shares wisdom about the importance of unity among the tribes.
  3. You find an ancient clay tablet that details the laws governing the Israelites’ relationships among tribes. You gain +2 to your next Diplomacy checks.
  4. A skilled scribe provides you with a scroll that outlines the lineage of the tribes, granting advantage on any knowledger-based checks involving family ties.
  5. A group of friendly youths offer to help you gather allies for your cause, allowing you to recruit one additional ally for the next encounter.

Extremely Helpful (21-25)

  1. In the market, you discover a rare ceremonial sword belonging to a priest, which gives +2 to attack and grants you insight into sacred laws, allowing for a +4 to negotiation with spiritual leaders.
  2. You find a significant artifact—a ritual vessel that enhances your group’s divine magic, providing a +1 to Wisdom for all spellcasters in the party.
  3. A well-respected elder approaches you, revealing hidden alliances among the tribes that could foster peace if you approach them with the right offering. You gain +2 on any diplomacy checks with other tribes.
  4. A traveling bard shares a powerful song of victory that boosts morale. Your party gains a +1 to all checks until the end of the next encounter.
  5. You are gifted with a prophetic vision from a local seer, providing a glimpse into the best path to take. You gain advantage on one critical decision in the future, benefiting your quest overall.

Bible Trivia Encounter

As part of your adventure, you may encounter moments where you need to demonstrate your knowledge of Joshua 22. Answer the following questions to gain insight or wisdom:

  1. What did the Reubenites and Gadites build across the Jordan, which caused concern among the Israelites? (Hardest)
  2. Who was the leader of the Israelites during the events of this chapter? (Hard)
  3. What was the primary reason the eastern tribes gave for building the altar? (Medium)
  4. Which tribes were involved in the building of the altar? (Easy)
  5. What was the reaction of the rest of the Israelites when they first heard about the altar? (Very Easy)

To determine the outcome of your biblical wisdom, roll 1d20. Add the number of correct answers. Final result = 1–25.

Correct Answers

  1. The altar for ceremonial purposes.
  2. Joshua.
  3. To show that they are part of Israel and to prevent future misunderstanding.
  4. The Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
  5. They were alarmed and thought it was for worshiping other gods.

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