BRPG Encounter Table: Canaan’s Trials: Encounters of Faith and Betrayal

The Judges 2 Encounter Table delves into the trials faced by the Israelites in ancient Canaan, emphasizing themes of faith and betrayal.

Judges 2 Encounter Table

This nuanced encounter table is designed for a session revolving around Judges 2, where the Israelites face the consequences of disobedience to God, highlighting the cycle of sin, oppression, and repentance. The setting is amidst the hills of ancient Canaan, after the death of Joshua, in a time when the Israelites struggle with their faith and neighboring cultures.

Table

Extremely Hurtful Encounters (1-5)

  1. The party encounters a band of marauders from the Amalekites (HD 3; HP 15 each; AC 12). They demand tribute of 5 shekels for safe passage. Failure to comply results in an ambush with each enemy dealing 2d6 damage.
  2. A local priest of Baal attempts to lead the party into idolatry. He claims, “The God of the Canaanites will bless you if you offer incense to Him.” If the party follows, they lose 1d4 Wisdom.
  3. The spirit of a disgraced Israelite hero warns the party, declaring, “Your path is cursed, turn back!” If they do not heed his warning, they suffer a -1 penalty on all saving throws until they repent.
  4. The party finds a cursed idol of Asherah, which inflicts a -2 penalty to all Charisma checks when carried.
  5. The village they pass through is plagued by famine. If they refuse to help the suffering, they lose 1d4 reputation in the region.

Moderate Nuisance Encounters (6-10)

  1. A deceitful merchant offers to sell the party a “cure” for their misfortunes, claiming it will grant 5d6 healing for just 10 shekels. The product is merely water, and those who drink it must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or suffer 1d4 poison damage.
  2. The party meets a wandering prophet who gives them half-truths about their quest: “Your strength comes from allies, yet it is your faith must not waver.” This adds confusion, giving a -1 penalty to their next decision-making roll.
  3. A troop of disgruntled Israelites confronts the party, upset at their lack of action against enemy encroachments. They demand the party pledge to help their village, or face a negative -2 to their reputation.
  4. The party finds a worn slingshot in the dirt. It grants a +1 to all ranged attacks but also carries the feeling of loss and despair, reducing morale and causing a -1 penalty to all Charisma checks until cleansed.
  5. A local gossip spreads a false rumor that the party is allied with the enemy, causing suspicion among the people and resulting in a -2 penalty on future interactions.

Helpful Encounters (11-15)

  1. The party helps an elderly Israelite who shares wisdom about the dangers of idolatry. They gain +2 to their Wisdom and a new insight into their faith.
  2. A village healer offers a blessing for their journey, granting the party a +1 to all healing spells used on them for the next 24 hours.
  3. The party encounters a former soldier who, moved by their intent, shares tales of battle. The group gains tactical insights, resulting in a +1 bonus to all attack rolls for their next confrontation.
  4. The party discovers hidden provisions (including bread, wine, and dried fruits) that provide a +2 bonus to healing when consumed during a short rest.
  5. A wandering bard sings songs of God’s past deliverances, uplifting the party’s spirit. They gain +1 to all Charisma checks until the end of the session.

Very Helpful Encounters (16-20)

  1. The party meets an angel of the Lord who gives them a message of encouragement, granting +1 on all saving throws for the next 24 hours.
  2. A friendly merchant offers to trade valuable supplies for their stories of faith, providing a +1 to their trade rolls and 10% discount on any items.
  3. The party discovers an ancient scroll that recounts Israel’s victories over their enemies. It provides +2 to Strategy rolls for encounters with enemy factions.
  4. A group of young Israelite warriors seeks the party’s guidance, and by mentoring them, the party gains +1 to Leadership skills, enhancing their influence among locals.
  5. The party uncovers a hidden stash of polished stones (5) that function as sacred tokens, granting a +1 to all Spiritual checks when presented as evidence of faith.

Extremely Helpful Encounters (21-25)

  1. The local chief rewards the party for their heroic deeds with a handsome sum of 50 shekels as well as a key to the city, granting them free lodging and respect.
  2. The party discovers a sacred altar that has not been desecrated, and by offering prayers, they receive a permanent +1 to their Constitution as they are blessed by God.
  3. The party befriends a seasoned warrior who teaches them the ways of combat. They gain proficiency in medium armor and a one-time bonus of +2 to their next attack roll.
  4. A wise elder offers insights into the prophecy of the coming judge, giving the party +2 to their next persuasion or diplomacy roll when discussing leadership.
  5. The party finds a sacred relic, an ancient wooden staff that grants +2 on all Nature checks and allows the wielder to command small animals for assistance.

Trivia Questions

  1. What angel of the Lord appeared to the Israelites in Judges 2, expressing God’s disappointment over their disobedience?
  2. What did the Israelites do that led to their suffering under foreign oppressors as described in Judges 2?
  3. What did God do to show His anger toward Israel’s actions according to Judges 2?
  4. Who did God raise up to deliver Israel after they cried out to Him in their distress?
  5. What historical promise did God remind the Israelites about from the time of their entrance into Canaan?

Roll 1d20.
Add the number of correct answers.
Final result = 1–25.

Correct Answers

  1. The Angel of the Lord
  2. They turned away from the Lord and served the Baals
  3. He allowed them to be oppressed by their enemies
  4. He raised up judges to deliver them
  5. That He would bring them into the land promised to their ancestors

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