BRPG Encounter Table: Wilderness Trials: Encounters in Engedi’s Shadows

Nuanced Encounter Table for 1 Samuel 24

This encounter table is designed for players exploring the wilderness of Engedi, where David is hiding from King Saul. The encounters reflect the tension of the chase, the nature of the environment, and the socio-political dynamics of the time. Players may encounter characters that mirror the biblical narrative, as well as objects and challenges that enhance their quest.

Table

Extremely Hurtful Encounters (1-5)

1. The players stumble upon a group of 3 Philistine scouts (HP 15 each, ATK +4, AC 12) who capture one party member for interrogation. The party must choose to negotiate with the scouts or fight, risking exposure to Saul’s forces.
2. A wise but deceptive old man claims to know the location of Saul’s troops. If players trust him, they walk into a trap and lose 1d6 health due to an ambush by Saul’s men.
3. The party hears rumors from a traveling merchant who offers a “map” leading to hidden treasures in the Judean hills, but it is a false map intended to mislead them into dangerous territory. They suffer a loss of time, gaining -2 to their next stealth check.
4. A sudden sandstorm engulfs the area, disorienting the players and imposing a -2 penalty on all perception checks until they can find shelter.
5. Players encounter a wild animal (a lion, HP 30, ATK +8, AC 14) that attacks them. If not defeated, they may be forced to flee and lose 1d8 health.

Moderate Nuisance Encounters (6-10)

1. A family of nomads requests shelter—players must stay hidden, causing a loss of 1 hour of travel time as they assist the family in need.
2. As players explore a cave, they find remnants of past sacrifices to Baal, causing a -1 morale penalty until they leave the cave.
3. The players catch sight of Saul’s men in the distance but must avoid detection. They have to make a group stealth check with a -2 penalty due to their noisy gear.
4. A passing caravan offers supplies (bread and water), but they charge exorbitantly—paying will reduce supplies but cost the party 1d6 shekels.
5. Players find an ancient scroll fragment that speaks of David’s anointing, granting advantage on one charisma check relating to leadership in the upcoming interactions.

Somewhat Helpful Encounters (11-15)

1. A shepherd provides insight into Saul’s patrol routes, allowing players to travel 1 hour faster in the wilderness.
2. The players discover a hidden cache containing 2 healing herbs that restore 1d4 health when consumed.
3. A wise woman shares an ancient proverb about patience and wisdom, granting the party a +1 bonus to their next wisdom check.
4. Players hear a distant song that distracts a nearby patrol, allowing for an easier escape from a potential ambush, granting +2 to their next stealth roll.
5. An old friend of David’s greets them and offers an old sling that grants +1 attack bonus in ranged combat.

Very Helpful Encounters (16-20)

1. The players discover a spring of clear water, which restores 1d4 health for the entire party and grants a +1 bonus to constitution checks for one hour.
2. A group of loyal followers of David offer to help the party by scouting ahead, granting them advantage on their next encounter roll due to increased knowledge of the area.
3. Players find a lost ring of the tribe of Judah, increasing their charisma by +2 when speaking to anyone from the tribe.
4. The direct descendant of one of David’s allies provides a secret passage that allows the party to bypass a group of Saul’s soldiers entirely.
5. The players discover remnants of Saul’s personal belongings that reveal his plans, granting them a +2 to intelligence rolls related to strategy during the next encounter.

Extremely Helpful Encounters (21-25)

1. The players meet a priest who provides them with blessings: a +2 to all charisma checks for the next two encounters.
2. They discover a message from Saul expressing doubt about his chase of David, providing confidence and granting advantage on all persuasion checks in their next dealings.
3. A hidden cache reveals a beautifully crafted sword (+2 attack) and shield (+1 defense), which they may use in upcoming confrontations.
4. The players come across a vision-inducing fruit that grants them a prophetic experience, allowing them to reroll one roll in their next encounter.
5. They encounter a band of David’s loyal warriors who offer their allegiance and promise to provide assistance in battle, allowing players to call on them once for added support.

Trivia Encounter

Upon completing this table, players can engage in a trivia challenge regarding 1 Samuel 24. Answering these questions correctly may provide further rewards or insights.

1. What was the significance of the cave where David cut Saul’s robe? (Hardest)
2. What was David’s reaction after cutting Saul’s robe? (Hard)
3. Who did David refer to as “the Lord’s anointed”? (Medium)
4. What was David’s message to Saul when he revealed he had spared his life? (Easy)
5. How did Saul respond to David’s declaration of mercy? (Very Easy)

Roll 1d20.

Add the number of correct answers.

Final result = 1–25.

Correct Answers

1. It symbolized David’s restraint and respect for Saul’s position.
2. David was troubled and felt guilt for even that small act against Saul.
3. David referred to Saul as “the Lord’s anointed”.
4. David declared he could have killed Saul but chose not to.
5. Saul acknowledged David’s righteousness and wept, recognizing David would be king.