BRPG Encounter Table: Ziklag Trials: Encounters in David’s Pursuit

Encounter Table for 1 Samuel 30

This encounter table is designed for a scenario taking place in Ziklag after the Amalekite raid. The main quest revolves around David’s pursuit of the Amalekites to reclaim what was lost. Encounters range from harmful to extremely beneficial as the players navigate through this pivotal moment in David’s journey.

Table

Very Hurtful (1-5)

1. The players encounter a group of Amalekite raiders (3d6 HP each, Attack +5, AC 13) who are scouting the area for any remaining survivors. They suffer a loss of 1d4 random health points each if detected.
2. As the players wander, they stumble upon the remains of a burnt village, filled with scattered bones and charred belongings. Each character must roll a Wisdom saving throw or gain 1 insanity point due to the trauma of the scene.
3. A neighboring tribe has declared war due to misunderstandings about the raid. Each player must succeed on a Charisma check (DC 15) to avoid conflict, or they will face immediate hostility, leading to a skirmish.
4. A cursed relic, a broken idol of a foreign god, brings misfortune to the party, resulting in disadvantage on all Wisdom saving throws for the next encounter.
5. Players find evidence of a traitor in their midst—tokens suggesting betrayal. Each member must roll a DC 12 Insight check to identify the possible traitor, or suffer a -2 to all Charisma checks until the traitor is revealed.

Mild Nuisance (6-10)

6. Players are caught in a sudden sandstorm, adding 1d4 points of exhaustion due to fatigue, and they must navigate at half speed for the next hour.
7. A merchant tries to gouge the players, offering water at an excessive cost (5 shekels for a single waterskin). If they refuse, he curses them and gives them -2 to their next negotiation.
8. The players hear rumors about David’s distress among the local tribes, causing their reputation to suffer. They gain -1 to Charisma checks in the next two towns.
9. They come across a wounded soldier from David’s camp with incorrect directions to the enemy camp, causing the party to lose an additional day in travel.
10. The party encounters a band of scavengers who insist on searching their packs, imposing a -2 penalty on all future stealth checks due to loss of trust.

Somewhat Helpful (11-15)

11. The players find a cache of supplies abandoned by the Amalekites: 5 rations, a sturdy spear (+1 attack), and a healer’s kit that can stabilize a dying character.
12. They receive assistance from a loyal follower of David who provides +1 to all Insight checks for the next two encounters.
13. A passing traveler shares news of a nearby Amalekite camp’s location, revealing the enemy’s strength and gaining +1 to the next attack roll against them.
14. The players discover a cache of old arrows, 10 in total, which have been preserved well and can be used to replace any broken arrows in their quiver.
15. The players find a sacred stone that offers visions of the past. Each player must roll a Wisdom check (DC 10) to gain insight into David’s leadership for the next combat, resulting in +1 to tactical decision making.

Very Helpful (16-20)

16. The players find signs of a trail left by the Amalekites, gaining advantage on survival checks for 1d4 hours to track their movements.
17. An old warrior tells tales of how God aligned David’s heart through patience, granting players a +1 to all Charisma checks for the next town as they share these stories.
18. Players recover a lost banner from David’s camp, which inspires troops. The next time David’s forces engage, they automatically gain a +1 morale bonus.
19. A local healer offers a blessing, restoring 1d4 HP to each player, who then also gains a +1 on their next Constitution saving throw.
20. A celestial sign appears in the sky, providing a sense of divine guidance. The party gains advantage on their next saving throw against fear or intimidation.

Extremely Helpful (21-25)

21. Upon finding a lost child of the village who shares a hidden path around the enemy, each player gains a +10 to movement speed for their next pursuit.
22. A local priest offers a prayer for successful outcomes, allowing each player to reroll a failed check once before the end of their quest.
23. The players discover a hidden ambush site set against Amalekites. They set a trap, gaining a surprise round against any attackers during the next encounter.
24. The players come across a prophetic scroll describing the exact weaknesses of their foes, granting +2 to all players’ attack rolls against the Amalekites.
25. They meet an elder who reveals profound wisdom about leadership and faith, granting +1 Wisdom score up to a maximum of 20 for each party member for this quest.

Trivia Questions

1. What specific action did David take before pursuing the Amalekites after learning about the raid? (Hardest)
2. What did David find upon returning to Ziklag? (Hard)
3. What did the men of David propose to do when they feared their families were lost? (Medium)
4. How did David retrieve the stolen families? (Easy)
5. Who helped David in his pursuit against the Amalekites? (Very Easy)

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

Correct Answers

1. He sought the Lord for guidance (1 Samuel 30:7-8).
2. His city had been burned and his families taken captive (1 Samuel 30:1).
3. They wanted to stone him (1 Samuel 30:6).
4. David pursued them and fought them (1 Samuel 30:17).
5. An Egyptian slave who was left behind (1 Samuel 30:13-15).