BRPG Encounter Table: Trials of Gideon

The BRPG Encounter Table offers a thrilling RPG session inspired by Gideon's journey through Israel.

Judges 8 Encounter Table

This table is designed for a high-stakes RPG session based on Judges 8, emphasizing the events surrounding Gideon’s leadership after his victory over the Midianites. Players will encounter various characters, challenges, and discoveries that reflect the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel during this time.

Table

Extremely Hurtful Encounters (1-5)

A group of 5 Midianite raiders ambushes the party, each with 12 HP, +4 attack, and AC 12. Players must decide whether to fight or flee. If caught, one player loses equipment worth 50 shekels.
While resting, the group encounters a fierce lion that prowls the area (25 HP, +6 attack, AC 14). If they fail to evade, one character receives 1d6 damage.
As they approach a well, a false prophet proclaiming doom misleads the group, claiming their actions will lead to destruction. Players suffer -2 morale for the next encounter.
They find a cursed stone altar, where attempting to offer a sacrifice results in a backlash that reduces maximum HP by 2 for one character.
The party stumbles upon a group of local thieves who try to rob them, causing a scuffle that results in the loss of 1d20 shekels or equivalent value in goods.

Mild Nuisance Encounters (6-10)

A wandering merchant offers poor-quality goods, misleading the party into thinking they found a great deal. They buy a seemingly enchanted item that has no benefit.
While traveling, the party encounters a minor landslide that blocks the path, requiring a successful Strength check to pass without taking 1d4 damage.
They meet a disgruntled villager who complains about Gideon’s leadership, causing a -1 charisma for the next village interaction.
An old woman offers advice but is confused. Her statement about Gideon being a Kushite causes the party to doubt their knowledge of the local leaders, resulting in a -1 to Intelligence checks for one session.
They find an unmarked grave with a scroll of wisdom that provides no clear answers, resulting in wasted time and a -1 to movement speed temporarily.

Somewhat Helpful Encounters (11-15)

The group discovers a hidden stash of food provisions left behind by fleeing Midianites, providing enough rations for a week.
A friendly shepherd informs the party about nearby Midianite camps, giving them an advantage in planning and granting +1 to Tactical checks.
They stumble upon an abandoned tent containing a durable cloak (+1 AC) and a short spear (+1 attack) that can be used during encounters.
A local priest offers blessings that give the party +2 to their next Wisdom saving throw after they help with minor tasks at the temple.
The party assists a family in distress, gaining +1 reputation in the area, which provides discounts at local markets.

Very Helpful Encounters (16-20)

Upon discovering a hidden cave, the group finds a cache of weapons, including a well-crafted sling (+2 attack) and a bronze shield (+2 defense).
A wise elder shares ancient secrets about Gideon’s strategies, providing insights that grant advantage on forthcoming battle tactics.
They encounter a skilled blacksmith who can modify one weapon, adding +2 damage or +1 AC to a shield for a fee of 20 shekels.
A messenger arrives with news of impending conflict in a nearby town, allowing players to prepare and strategize for future events.
The party wins a small contest by demonstrating their skills, earning +1 to their next Charisma rolls in any social interaction.

Extremely Helpful Encounters (21-25)

They find a prophetic scroll detailing future events, granting foresight that adds +2 to Initiative rolls for the next encounter.
A prominent leader in the area offers their support, granting the party +5 temporary HP and a favor that can be called upon in a future quest.
After aligning with local tribesmen, the party gains the loyalty of 10 warriors who will fight alongside them in the next battle.
They discover a golden idol traditionally used for sacrifices, which can be traded for 100 shekels or leveraged to gain favors among high-ranking officials.
A former soldier offers them crucial intelligence about the Midianites’ movements, providing a strategic advantage and a +2 bonus on their next combat check.

Bible Trivia Encounter

As players interact with the characters and find clues, they may encounter a local gathering where they can participate in a trivia challenge to gain further insights into Gideon’s story.

What was the initial response of the people after Gideon destroyed the altar of Baal? (Hardest)
What sign did Gideon request from God to confirm his calling? (Hard)
How many men did Gideon ultimately take into battle against the Midianites? (Medium)
What item did God use to reassure Gideon about the victory over the Midianites? (Easy)
What did Gideon’s name mean, which reflects his identity as a leader? (Very Easy)

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

Correct Answers

1. They wanted to kill him.
2. A fleece test (wet fleece on dry ground, dry fleece on wet ground).
3. 300 men.
4. The trumpet and the clay pots.
5. “Hewer” or “one who cuts.”