BRPG Encounter Table: Political Turmoil and Encounters in Hebron

Nuanced Encounter Table for 2 Samuel 3

This encounter table is designed for a role-playing session set in the ancient town of Hebron during the fractious period following the death of King Saul. Players are navigating the political tensions between the House of Saul and the emerging House of David. The main quest revolves around gathering vital intelligence and allies while avoiding conflict.

Table

Extremely Hurtful Encounters (1-5)

1. The party is ambushed by three ruthless mercenaries, loyal to Ishbosheth, who attack with a health pool of 30, +7 attack, and an AC of 15. If defeated, they discover a letter revealing Ishbosheth’s plans to assassinate David.
2. A bitter rival of David spreads vicious rumors, causing local merchants to refuse service. The players suffer a -2 penalty to Charisma for their next interactions in the town.
3. While scouting, the party falls into a concealed pit trap, taking 2d6 damage. They must succeed on a DC 13 Strength check to escape, or they’re stuck for three rounds.
4. An assassin attempts to poison the party’s water supply. Each character must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 1d4 poison damage and be poisoned for one hour.
5. The party witnesses a confrontation between David’s supporters and those loyal to Ishbosheth, resulting in a chaotic fight. The party must make a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw to avoid being caught in the fray, taking 1d6 damage if they fail.

Mild Nuisance Encounters (6-10)

1. A local elder approaches the party, offering misleading information about David’s whereabouts. They claim he’s holed up in a cave south of the city, leading the party astray.
2. The party encounters a drunken merchant willing to trade valuable goods for an inflated price, causing the party to lose 50 shekels as they overpay for a damaged shield.
3. While at a tavern, the party overhears a heated debate about King Saul’s legacy, causing their morale to drop. They take a -1 penalty to all social checks for the next encounter.
4. The players are caught in a rainstorm and must find shelter. Failure to do so causes them to suffer 1d4 cold damage and have disadvantage on their next skill check due to the wet conditions.
5. A messenger brings news of a raid from the Philistines, leading the town to temporarily close its gates. The party must find a way to gain access, delaying their plans.

Somewhat Helpful Encounters (11-15)

1. The party finds a lost bronze coin worth 10 shekels, allowing them to buy food and supplies for their journey.
2. They come across a group of David’s loyalists in town who offer a potion of healing (restores 2d4 hit points). They express gratitude for the players’ support.
3. While gathering information, the party overhears the exact location of a meeting between Ishbosheth’s generals, granting them the opportunity to eavesdrop.
4. A kindly widow offers the players bread and wine, restoring 1d4 hit points and providing a temporary +2 to their next Wisdom save against temptation or fear.
5. The party meets a former warrior of Saul who now despises Ishbosheth and offers a secret path into the capital, aiding their quest for intelligence.

Very Helpful Encounters (16-20)

1. The players find an ancient scroll hidden under a rock, detailing the lineage of Saul’s family and clues to Ishbosheth’s weaknesses, granting them advantage on their next negotiation.
2. An unexpected ally, a skilled archer, joins the party temporarily, providing +2 to attack rolls in the next encounter.
3. They come across a hidden cache of medical supplies, including three healing herbs that can restore 1d4 hit points when used.
4. The party discovers a stash of weaponry hidden by David’s supporters, including a strong sling (+1 attack) and a blessed dagger which deals an extra 1d4 damage to enemies of David.
5. A wise sage offers the players insight into prophetic dreams, granting them a once-per-session reroll on any failed ability check.

Extremely Helpful Encounters (21-25)

1. The party gains the assistance of a local militia who, upon hearing about their mission, agree to stand by them and support them in the next critical encounter.
2. They discover a hidden treasure of 200 shekels, enough to fund several future endeavors or purchase vital supplies for an expedition.
3. A divine-like figure appears to bless the party, granting them a +1 bonus on all attack rolls for the next two encounters.
4. A respected priest offers the party a blessing, giving them +1 to all saves against fear and charm effects for the next week.
5. The players are gifted a fine horse each, allowing them to travel twice as fast and avoid many of the dangers on the road between towns.

Trivia Questions

1. What was the name of the general who was killed by Joab in the context of David’s rise to power?
2. Who was the king of Israel during the time of this chapter?
3. What city did David rule from while seeking to consolidate his power after Saul’s death?
4. Who was Abner in relation to Ishbosheth?
5. What relationship did Abner have with Saul?

Roll 1d20.

Add the number of correct answers.

Final result = 1–25.

Correct Answers

1. Abner
2. Ishbosheth
3. Hebron
4. He was Ishbosheth’s commander.
5. He was Saul’s cousin.