BRPG Encounter Table: Tensions and Alliances on the Road to Hebron

Nuanced Encounter Table: 2 Samuel 2

This table provides a variety of encounters based on the events of 2 Samuel 2, set in the historical context of Hebron during the time of David’s rise to kingship following Saul’s death. Table encounters reflect the tensions and alliances among different tribes of Israel and the political intrigue of the era.

Table

Extremely Hurtful Encounters (1-5)

1. As you traverse a narrow path, you encounter a band of fierce Amalekite raiders (4 bandits, HP 20 each, Attack +5, AC 13). They demand tribute and attack if refused, inflicting -1 Morale on the party.
2. A false prophet in Hebron tells you that an enemy army approaches to attack your camp at night. Believing this, you lose valuable rest, giving all party members a disadvantage on their next roll.
3. You find a hidden cache of cursed armor, which, when worn, reduces the wearer’s agility (-2 to Dexterity) due to rust and decay.
4. You overhear a merchant gossip that David has been struck by a debilitating illness, tricking you into abandoning your quest. Lose one week of travel time as you go searching for news.
5. A vengeful supporter of Saul ambushes you in the town square, dealing 1d6 damage with a concealed dagger, causing -1 to your next attack due to injury.

Moderate Nuisance Encounters (6-10)

1. You encounter a rabble of citizens arguing over a newly discovered land claim, wasting an entire day on disputes which delays your journey, costing you 1d6 silver in supplies.
2. A messenger arrives claiming to have news from Abner, but it turns out to be an exaggerated rumor, wasting your time and causing you to miss possible allies.
3. You meet a merchant who offers to sell you supplies but charges 50% more for goods due to the political unrest, requiring you to reconsider your budgeting.
4. You find discarded scrolls in the dust, which detail Abner’s military strategies. Gaining +2 to strategy checks for the next encounter.
5. A young boy pesters you for food, demanding that you give him your rations. If you do not, he warns others, creating suspicion about you in the town.

Helpful Encounters (11-15)

1. An elderly woman, a former servant in Saul’s palace, shares secret knowledge about Saul’s ally, Abner, offering you insight that could change your approach to the negotiations.
2. You discover a hidden trail leading to Hebron’s walls, allowing your party to bypass enemy patrols and gain +2 to stealth checks for the next encounter.
3. You encounter a local Israelite with knowledge of the land who offers you a map for 3 silver coins; this map reveals the locations of enemy camp patrols.
4. A kind-hearted merchant gives you a healing salve, granting +1 to your next healing roll, benefiting the next party member in need of healing.
5. A fellow traveler offers you news of David’s favor, granting +1 to your charisma for persuading allies in your quest.

Very Helpful Encounters (16-20)

1. You find a document that reveals Abner’s secret alliance with the Ammonites, providing valuable information for your negotiations with David.
2. A friendly group offers lodgings and food, restoring 1d4 HP for each party member while they rest safely in their home.
3. You receive a vision from a local seer, who reveals a coming conflict but advises a strategic alliance with David’s supporters, providing +1 to diplomacy rolls.
4. A healer in town offers to bless your weapons for the duration of your stay, granting a +1 to attack rolls for the next two encounters.
5. Your party meets a famed warrior who shares his tales, providing +2 to morale, inspiring your group and removing any penalties you’ve acquired previously.

Extremely Helpful Encounters (21-25)

1. You encounter David’s loyal followers who provide you with a rich reward of 100 silver and vital information about Abner’s plans, improving your resources significantly.
2. You discover an ancient scroll hidden in a temple that reveals the proper rites to be recognized by David’s court, granting +3 to your status in future interactions.
3. A renowned warrior offers to join your cause for a short while, adding their +3 to attack rolls in the next battle against Abner’s forces.
4. You meet with Joab, David’s general, who offers you insights into the military strategy, granting +2 to your battle plans for your next encounter.
5. A sacred relic is found in a cave, rumored to belong to David. Carrying it grants you divine favor, providing +1 to all rolls until the next major event.

Trivia Encounter

To test your knowledge, answer the following trivia questions about 2 Samuel 2:

1. What was the name of the town where David was anointed king over the house of Judah?
2. Who was chosen to be king over the rest of Israel after Saul’s death?
3. What was the message that David sent to the men of Jabesh-gilead?
4. Who was Abner, and what was his role during the events of 2 Samuel 2?
5. What act did David perform that emphasized his mourning for Saul and Jonathan?

Roll 1d20.

Add the number of correct answers.

Final result = 1–25.

Correct Answers

• 1. Hebron
• 2. Ishbosheth
• 3. Thanking them for burying Saul
• 4. He was the commander of Saul’s army.
• 5. He lamented for them with a song.