BRPG Encounter Table: David's Strategic Encounters in the Heart of Israel - Servants Not Professionals

David’s Campaign Encounter Table

This encounter table is designed for a story set in the context of 2 Samuel 8, where King David is securing and expanding his reign over Israel, dealing with various nations, and establishing dominance. The encounters will provide a blend of historical context, cultural elements, and potential conflicts as players navigate the challenges of battle and diplomacy during this tumultuous time.

Table

Extremely Hurtful Encounters (1-5)

1. A skirmish with a band of Edomite raiders (1d6+2 health each, attack strength 3, AC 12) leads to the party suffering 2d4 damage and losing 1d2 morale.
2. A local traitor reports the party’s movements to the Philistine commander. The party must now face increased surveillance, imposing disadvantage on all stealth checks for 48 hours.
3. A cursed object is found: a bronze idol of Baal. Touching it forces a Wisdom saving throw (DC 15) or suffer disadvantage on all Wisdom checks until removed.
4. The party encounters a deceptive merchant who claims to sell fine armor but instead offers defective pieces: a leather jerkin (AC 10) that can break under one attack.
5. An ambush by the Moabite soldiers (3d4 health each, attack strength 4, AC 13) results in the party losing 1d6 health per member in the group, as they are caught off guard.

Moderate Nuisance Encounters (6-10)

6. A local shepherd claims to have seen Moabites plotting against David, but he is mistaken. The party wastes half a day chasing rumors and receiving no useful intelligence.
7. A weathered traveler offers to guide the party but demands 10 shekels for vague directions, leading them to an unimportant watering hole instead of a vital source.
8. Upon entering a town, the party is mistaken for Philistine scouts, leading to a tense exchange that costs them 5 shekels in fines and requires a successful Persuasion check to avoid further trouble.
9. A beggar in the street offers to share a meal with the party, but the food is stale and causes each member to lose 1d2 health due to food poisoning.
10. The party finds a broken spear on the ground. It could be repaired, but will take 1d4 days of work to restore it to usefulness; no shortcuts can be taken.

Somewhat Helpful Encounters (11-15)

11. A friendly villager shares valuable information about a local Philistine stronghold, granting the party advantage on future strategy checks against Philistine forces.
12. The party discovers a hidden cache containing 50 shekels, which can be used to purchase food or supplies in nearby towns.
13. A retired soldier offers training to one member of the party, resulting in a +1 bonus to Attack rolls for the next battle.
14. The party comes across a wounded animal that, when cared for, will follow them and provide a +1 bonus to tracking rolls for the next week.
15. An old scroll detailing the past victories of David is found, bestowing +1 to all morale checks and inspiring the party to fight harder during their next encounter.

Very Helpful Encounters (16-20)

16. A Moabite defector approaches the party, offering vital intelligence about troop movements and morale, allowing the party to gain advantage on their next offensive or defense.
17. The party uncovers an ancient stone tablet inscribed with battle tactics. Studying it grants a +2 bonus to strategy rolls for one mission.
18. The party meets a priest who blesses them, providing +1 to all saving throws for the next three days as long as they avoid idolatry.
19. They discover a well-preserved sword with the engraved name of a fallen Moabite hero, granting +1 to attack damage against Moabite foes.
20. The party encounters a skilled artisan who offers to repair their armor or weapons, restoring an additional +1 to AC without cost.

Extremely Helpful Encounters (21-25)

21. They find a hidden temple containing sacred artifacts; each member gains a boon, increasing their Charisma by +1 for negotiation checks.
22. The party is gifted a prophetic vision in a dream, granting them advantage on all Insight checks for the next 48 hours.
23. A local chieftain, impressed by their reputation, offers to join their cause with 20 skilled warriors, giving the party backup in their next major conflict.
24. After a private audience with a wise sage, the party receives advice on a hidden weakness in their enemies, resulting in double damage on their first strike in the next battle.
25. The party is treated as heroes in the next town, gaining +1 to Charisma and influence in the local politics, which helps secure vital allies for David’s campaign.

Trivia Questions

Roll 1d20.

Add the number of correct answers.

Final result = 1–25.

What was the total number of the chief men whom David appointed over the people according to 2 Samuel 8? (hardest)
Which nation did David defeat, killing 18,000 men? (hard)
Who did David take as servants after defeating the Moabites? (medium)
What type of objects did David take from the people he conquered? (easy)
How did David exhibit his authority over the nations he defeated? (very easy)