BRPG Encounter Table: Dramatic Revelations in the Shadows of David’s Court

Nuanced Encounter Table for 2 Samuel 13

This table captures the tension, betrayal, and familial conflicts present in 2 Samuel 13. Set in the kingdom of Israel during the reign of King David, where the dynamics of royalty, family honor, and tragic fate intertwine. The main quest involves navigating the aftermath of Amnon’s act against Tamar, seeking justice, truth, and healing in the midst of strife.

Table

Extremely Hurtful Encounters (1-5)

1. A group of men from Absalom’s faction ambushes you. They are armed with spears (Attack: +5, Health: 30, AC: 15). Each character must make a DC 15 Dexterity save to evade or suffer 2d8+3 damage.
2. You overhear a secret conversation revealing that Amnon is planning to flee the city. The knowledge puts you at risk as your names are now linked to betrayal and could invite suspicion from the king’s guard.
3. A villager, unaware of your intentions, accuses you of siding with Amnon and spreads disinformation about your involvement. You gain -2 to charisma for the next town due to this rumor.
4. You are approached by a mysterious figure who offers you a poisonous concoction claiming it can “silence” your enemies. If accepted, it will inflict 1d4 damage each round until cured.
5. A local merchant attempts to swindle you by offering “genuine royal jewelry” that is nothing but polished rocks but charges you four times its value. You lose 30 shekels in this transaction.

Mild Nuisance Encounters (6-10)

1. You find an old note hidden in a marketplace stall, hinting at a plot against Tamar, but it is vague and riddled with deception.
2. A young shepherd mistakes you for members of the royal court and fills your head with gossip about Amnon’s misdeeds. You gain insight but also a -1 to wisdom due to distraction.
3. A beggar at the city gate asks for alms, claiming to have seen Amnon in a distressed state. After giving to him, gain +1 charisma as gratitude fills your heart.
4. You find a discarded weapon—a broken sword that could use repair. If you invest 5 shekels, it can be restored and turned into a +1 attack weapon.
5. You meet a traveling merchant who offers to sell you a scroll of local laws concerning inheritance and rights. Acquiring it for 10 shekels grants you advantage on future persuasion checks regarding Tamar’s rights.

Helpful Encounters (11-15)

1. An old warrior offers sage advice: “Absolute truth will be your best weapon. Seek witnesses.” You gain +2 wisdom for your next encounter.
2. A scribe in the market provides a detailed account of Amnon’s behavior leading to the incident. You gain a clue which grants you advantage in your next confrontation with any royal family member.
3. You find a flask of healing oil in a hidden corner of the bazaar, granting 1d6 health when used. It can be used once.
4. A sympathetic servant from the palace approaches and whispers about a safe route out of the city. If followed, it allows for a quick escape for one character if needed.
5. A wise woman offers you insight into royal family dynamics, explaining how Absalom feels wronged. You gain +2 charisma when speaking about familial matters in the future.

Very Helpful Encounters (16-20)

1. You discover a hidden cache of scrolls that recount the royal lineage and the laws regarding justice within the kingdom. This grants +3 to any legal argument you present.
2. A local priest offers to bless you, providing +1 to your next two persuasion or diplomacy rolls when discussing justice issues.
3. An old friend of Tamar’s reveals a secret passage used in times of distress near the palace. If utilized, it allows stealthy movement past guards.
4. A merchant offers you an ancient silver coin that once belonged to David, worth 50 shekels but also carries a favor from the citizens should you need help.
5. You encounter a bard who knows the story of Tamar and Amnon, sharing it in a moving way. You gain +1 inspiration, granting rerolls on one failed check.

Extremely Helpful Encounters (21-25)

1. You meet a renowned judge with a reputation for fairness who agrees to hear any grievances against Amnon if presented properly. An audience with him could sway public opinion.
2. A scroll detailing the obligations of royal family members under the law is gifted to you by a sympathetic noble, giving advantage on any legal matters related to Tamar.
3. You come across Tamar’s loyal handmaiden, who provides information on a potential safe haven for Tamar and her allies. This leads to a quest reward that fortifies Tamar’s position.
4. A mysterious seer offers you a prophetic insight regarding the future actions of Absalom, granting you foresight in a potential confrontation (advantage on initiative rolls).
5. A hidden shrine dedicated to justice provides a boon, allowing you to once invoke the spirit of justice to bolster your resolve. Once before a critical encounter, gain +3 to your roll or to resist fear.

Trivia Encounter

As part of the encounter mechanism, players may also face a Trivia Encounter related to 2 Samuel 13.

Roll 1d20.

Add the number of correct answers.

Final result = 1–25.

Trivia Questions

1. What was the name of the sister of Absalom and Amnon, who was wronged by Amnon? (Hardest)
2. What did Amnon claim was the reason he wanted to see Tamar? (Hard)
3. Who was the one that advised Amnon on how to get Tamar alone? (Medium)
4. What was King David’s reaction upon hearing about Amnon’s crime? (Easy)
5. How did Absalom respond after the incident with Tamar? (Very Easy)

Correct Answers

1. Tamar
2. He claimed he was ill and wanted her to prepare food for him.
3. Jonadab
4. He was very angry but did not punish Amnon.
5. Absalom plotted to take revenge on Amnon.