BRPG Encounter Table: Divine Trials and Treacherous Alliances in David’s Reign

Nuanced Encounter Table Based on 2 Samuel 7

This encounter table is designed for a campaign set in ancient Israel during the reign of King David. The primary quest revolves around God’s promise to David regarding his lineage and the establishment of a lasting dynasty. Players will navigate political intrigue, divine favor, and the challenges of leadership.

Table

Extremely Hurtful Encounters (1-5)

1. A rival faction, led by a man named Ishmael, attempts to assassinate King David during a gathering. The players must fend off 3 skilled assassins (AC 15, Health 15 each, Attack Strength 3) who aim to disrupt the king’s peace. Suffering a loss here results in severe repercussions for the realm, leading to civil unrest.
2. The players stumble across a cursed artifact—a bronze idol of Baal—that brings a curse of misfortune, resulting in a temporary -1 to all attack rolls and saving throws until properly cleansed.
3. A prophet named Nathan speaks falsely, claiming that David should build the temple. This misguides the players into unnecessary preparations, costing them 200 shekels in materials that are ultimately wasted.
4. The party is ambushed by a group of marauding Philistines seeking revenge against David. The players face 4 raiders (AC 14, Health 12, Attack Strength 4) who demand tribute. Failure results in the loss of critical supplies worth 50 shekels.
5. Word spreads that the players have been plotting against the king, causing the local populace to distrust them. Players suffer -2 to charisma checks until they can redeem their honor through a public display of loyalty to David.

Mild Nuisance Encounters (6-10)

1. A group of merchants attempts to charge an exorbitant price for a shipment of cedar wood needed for the king’s palace. The players must negotiate, risking the loss of 30 shekels or gaining an ally who can provide wood at fair market value in the future.
2. Players overhear a rumor in the marketplace that King David plans to build a great temple. This could lead to opportunities for fame or unforeseen pitfalls, making diplomacy more desirable and granting +1 to future charisma checks in the region.
3. A minor dispute breaks out between two local families over land claims near Hebron. Players can mediate, earning +1 to leadership checks for resolving conflicts in the future.
4. The party encounters a wandering minstrel who sings a ballad about David’s victories. This grants the party +1 charisma temporarily but distracts them, causing each player to roll a d4 and reduce their movement speed by that amount for the remainder of the day.
5. Players find a scroll containing a prophecy about the coming Messiah, which hints at future events. This provides insight, allowing the players to prepare for future encounters with a +1 to intelligence checks related to prophecy.

Somewhat Helpful Encounters (11-15)

1. The players meet an elderly Israelite who claims to be a distant relative of David. He gives them vital historical information about the city of Hebron, granting +2 to knowledge checks about the region for the next encounter.
2. A local craftsman offers to repair or enhance one piece of equipment for free, improving its effectiveness. This may mean gaining +1 to defense for shields or a +1 to attack for weapons.
3. The players find a pouch of 50 shekels hidden in a hollow tree, which they can use for necessary expenses as they navigate the political landscape.
4. An ally from Saul’s court hears of the players’ deeds and offers them a blessing, granting +1 to attack rolls for the next two encounters.
5. The players discover a quiet shrine dedicated to Yahweh and can spend time in prayer; this grants +1 to all saving throws for the next major encounter.

Very Helpful Encounters (16-20)

1. A young shepherd named Eli comes to the players, claiming he has received visions from God about David’s reign. He provides prophetic insights, bestowing the party with +2 to future wisdom checks until the next major decision.
2. The players are rewarded by King David himself after accomplishing a minor quest for him, earning 300 shekels and increased favor within the court, providing influence for future dealings.
3. Heard in a tavern, a merchant speaks of a hidden cache of goods, leading the players to discover a stash of valuable spices worth 200 shekels, which can be sold for great profit down the line.
4. A wise elder presents the players with a scroll containing a detailed account of David’s lineage and its blessings, enhancing their understanding of Israel’s history. This allows for +1 to diplomacy checks when dealing with noble houses.
5. A skilled artisan offers to create two unique items: a leather shield (provides +1 to defense) and a slingshot (provides +2 attack, effective for ranged encounters), enhancing the players’ combat abilities.

Extremely Helpful Encounters (21-25)

1. The players are visited by the prophet Nathan, who delivers a divine message directly from God, granting them a unique blessing that provides +1 to all rolls for the following adventure.
2. A miraculous event occurs where the river Jordan parts momentarily for the players, allowing them safe passage across; this discovery grants +1 movement speed for their next major journey.
3. Players meet a caravan of friendly Israelites who share food and provisions, restoring up to 30 health points across the party.
4. An ancient artifact, a golden pendant believed to belong to David, is found buried nearby, providing the players with a +2 bonus to charisma checks while in the presence of the king.
5. The players gain the favor of the local tribes by successfully negotiating a trade agreement that benefits both parties, resulting in free passage through enemy territories and an alliance that grants +1 to all diplomacy checks against hostile tribes.

Bible Trivia Encounter

At any time during their journey, players can engage in a trivia session related to 2 Samuel 7. They can test their understanding of the scripture to gain further insights or advantages in their quest.

1. What does God promise David concerning his descendants? (Answer: That his throne shall be established forever)
2. Who was the prophet that delivered God’s message to David? (Answer: Nathan)
3. What significant structure does God tell David he will not build? (Answer: The temple)
4. What was David’s response to God’s covenant? (Answer: He acknowledges God’s greatness)
5. What was the nature of the promise God made regarding David’s house? (Answer: It will endure forever)

Roll 1d20.

Add the number of correct answers.

Final result = 1–25.

Correct Answers

1. That his throne shall be established forever

2. Nathan

3. The temple

4. He acknowledges God’s greatness

5. It will endure forever