BRPG Encounter Table: Tension and Mercy in the Wilderness of Ziph

Nuanced Encounter Table for 1 Samuel 26

This encounter table is designed for players exploring the historical context of 1 Samuel 26, where David spares Saul’s life, emphasizing themes such as loyalty, mercy, and the tension of leadership in ancient Israel. The setting will take place in the wilderness of Ziph, near the town of Ziph, where David is hiding from King Saul.

Table

Extremely Hurtful Encounters (1-5)

1. Encounter with a Saul’s Assassin: A skilled assassin sent by Saul ambushes the party (Health: 30, Attack: 6, AC: 15). The assassin attempts to gather information about David’s whereabouts.
2. Poisoned Water Supply: The party discovers a stream that has been poisoned by Saul’s men. Consumption requires a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, or the character takes 2d6 poison damage and is incapacitated for one hour.
3. False Accusation: The townsfolk accuse the party of being spies for David. This results in a loss of 2 Charisma with the locals until they can prove their innocence.
4. Rogue Band of Philistines: The party is attacked by a small band of Philistines (Health: 25, Attack: 5, AC: 13) looking to settle a score with the Israelites.
5. Ambush by Jezreelite Merchants: The merchants attempt to rob the party, inflicting 1d6 damage per character as they try to steal their belongings, including food and money.

Mild Nuisance Encounters (6-10)

1. Errant Messenger: A messenger mistakenly delivers false news about Saul’s movements, leading the party in a wrong direction for a day.
2. Stray Dog: A stray dog follows the party. It does not cause harm but reduces party stealth by 2 due to its barking.
3. Weather Misfortune: A sudden dust storm rolls in, forcing the party to seek shelter for an hour, delaying their progress.
4. Old Campfire: The party stumbles upon an old campfire with remnants of food that provides 1d4 healing, but also attracts unwanted insects, inflicting a disadvantage on the next stealth check.
5. Renegade Tax Collector: The party encounters a tax collector demanding 5 shekels for safe passage, leading to a minor financial setback.

Somewhat Helpful Encounters (11-15)

1. Supportive Local Farmer: A local farmer offers the party food and shelter for the night in exchange for protection from bandits. Gain +1 to Charisma in the next town.
2. Found Weapon: The party discovers an abandoned sling crafted from fine leather (+1 attack). This sling can be used with stones or slingshot projectiles found nearby.
3. Herbalist’s Gift: An herbalist gives the party a potion that grants +2 Constitution for one hour, useful for upcoming encounters.
4. Wise Sage’s Advice: A sage advises the party to avoid the eastern road as it is plagued by Saul’s scouts. This grants advantage on future navigation checks.
5. Lost Scroll: The party finds a scroll containing ancient prophecies regarding the future kings of Israel, granting +1 to all Wisdom checks for 24 hours.

Very Helpful Encounters (16-20)

1. Hidden Cache of Supplies: The party discovers a cache containing 3 healing herbs, 10 shekels, and a fine cloak (+1 AC).
2. Friendly Scout: A scout from David’s camp offers to guide the party back to safety. This gives the party a clear advantage in avoiding ambushes, providing a +1 to future stealth checks.
3. Vision in the Night: During the night, one character has a prophetic dream (DC 15 Intelligence check) that provides critical information about Saul’s next move.
4. Encounter with a Loyal Soldier: A soldier loyal to David shares valuable information on Saul’s plans, enhancing the party’s strategy (+2 to tactical checks).
5. Mighty War Horn: The party finds a war horn, which when blown, can summon local allies. This grants +1 to morale rolls for one encounter.

Extremely Helpful Encounters (21-25)

1. Divine Favor: The party discovers a hidden altar dedicated to God, which grants a temporary blessing, providing +1 to all rolls for one encounter.
2. Encouraging Scripture: They find a scroll containing Psalm verses that bolster the party’s spirits, granting +2 to all Charisma-based rolls for the next day.
3. Exiled Prophet: An exiled prophet provides guidance about David’s destiny, enhancing the party’s knowledge base. Everyone gains +2 to History checks related to the Davidic line.
4. Royal Seal: The party discovers a royal seal belonging to Saul, which can be used to negotiate safe passage or gain audience with local leaders.
5. Heroic Tribute: The party stumbles upon a tribute meant for David that grants them 20 shekels and a finely crafted sword (+2 attack).

Bible Trivia Encounter

After an encounter, the party may attempt to answer these trivia questions to gain insight or knowledge about the events surrounding 1 Samuel 26.

• Question 1: What did David take from Saul while he slept? (Hardest)
• Question 2: How many men did Saul bring to find David? (Hard)
• Question 3: What did David call out to the army of Saul after he spared Saul’s life? (Medium)
• Question 4: Who was David’s companion that went with him to Saul’s camp? (Easy)
• Question 5: What was the main reason David did not kill Saul? (Very Easy)

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

Answers

• Q1: Saul’s spear and water jug.
• Q2: Three thousand men.
• Q3: “Is this your voice, my lord, O king?”
• Q4: Abishai.
• Q5: To not harm the Lord’s anointed.