BRPG Encounter Table: Tragic Tales and Encounters at Saul's Fall - Servants Not Professionals

Encounter Table for 1 Samuel 31

This table is designed for a nuanced encounter experience during a journey centered around the events of 1 Samuel 31, where King Saul meets his tragic end. The encounters reflect the stories and elements within the biblical narrative while immersing players in the historical context of ancient Israel.

Table

Very Hurtful Encounters (1-5)

1. The party is ambushed by a group of Philistine raiders (3d6 damage, AC 12). They demand the party’s possessions or threaten to kill them. If the players pay tribute of 50 silver shekels, they may avoid death but lose valuable resources.
2. A cursed messenger arrives, claiming to be a survivor of Saul’s death and misleads the party with false intelligence that the Philistines have already begun hunting for them. This instills fear, resulting in a -1 to Wisdom for the next encounter.
3. The party encounters a desperate Israelite who pleads for help to retrieve his fallen brother, declaring that he witnessed Saul’s last moments. Distracted, the party loses 1d4 health due to emotional strain.
4. A rabid wolf, possibly a sign of divine displeasure, attacks the party (1d8 damage, AC 14). Upon defeat, the party suffers -2 Luck due to the lingering fear of encountering other foul creatures.
5. The party finds a grave marked with Saul’s name, surrounded by Philistine symbols. Opening it triggers a trap, causing 2d6 damage from falling debris and giving a sense of dread that imposes a -1 penalty on the next morale check.

Mild Nuisance Encounters (6-10)

6. A local farmer mistakes the party for Philistine spies and causes a scene, drawing unwanted attention. The party must negotiate (DC 15 Charisma) to avoid being reported, which results in a -1 to Reputation if they fail.
7. A merchant offers rare herbs used to soothe wounds but charges 30% more than fair price due to the current chaos from Saul’s reign ending, resulting in a drain on resources.
8. The party hears rumors of a neighboring town celebrating the death of Saul, which could lead to potential hostility. This knowledge gives a +1 to Stealth checks while traveling through those areas but adds tension in conversation with locals.
9. The party encounters an old woman who tells a tale of King Saul’s last night, claiming he prophesied his death. Listening too closely distracts them, giving a -1 on their next Wisdom save.
10. A small pile of grain is found on the roadside, but it is cursed. Consuming it gives a -1 penalty to Strength for the next hour due to its foul taste.

Somewhat Helpful Encounters (11-15)

11. The party meets a Davidite sympathizer who shares a blessing from David, granting them +1 to their next attack roll against any Philistine.
12. They find a hidden pouch containing 20 silver shekels in a thicket, useful for bribing or trading in their next encounter.
13. A wounded soldier from Saul’s army shares critical information about the Philistine’s movements, leading to a +2 bonus on their next initiative roll.
14. A nearby stream offers fresh water, healing 1d4 health to each member of the party and providing a moment of respite and clarity of thought (gain +1 Wisdom for the next encounter).
15. The party encounters a wise old scribe who shares the moral significance of Saul’s fall, allowing the players to gain +1 Insight and giving them two specific information about the terrain ahead.

Very Helpful Encounters (16-20)

16. A band of loyalists to Saul’s legacy offers hidden weapon caches. The party can acquire a strong sling and a wooden shield (+1 defense) to aid in their next battle.
17. They stumble upon an abandoned camp with cured meats and dried fruits, providing ample rations for the next three days, ensuring they are well-fed (+1 Constitution for the duration).
18. The party meets a skilled blacksmith who offers to forge them a rusted sword (+2 attack) in exchange for folklore about Saul, enhancing their combat strength.
19. A relative of Saul offers a token of protection, a pendant blessed by a prophet, which grants the wearer a +2 to saving throws against fear for the next three encounters.
20. A vision of a celestial figure appears, urging the party to remember justice. They gain a +1 to all Charisma-related rolls for the next week.

Extremely Helpful Encounters (21-25)

21. The party finds an ancient scroll detailing a prophecy about Saul’s downfall and the rise of David. This revelation adds +2 to all future knowledge checks regarding Israel’s leadership.
22. An elder priest offers them a prayer of protection, granting temporary immunity to fear effects for the next encounter.
23. They rescue a captured Israelite, who proves to be a skilled healer. He offers to heal up to 3d6 health to the party upon returning to a safe location.
24. Upon discovering a cave filled with remnants of past battles, the party finds sacred artifacts that bring them blessings of fortune, allowing a reroll on their next failed check.
25. They come across a hidden wellspring known for its miraculous healing properties, restoring all members of the party to full health and providing an additional +1 to their next ability score checks for one hour.