BRPG Encounter Table: Confrontations and Revelations in Hebron’s Shadows

Encounter Table for 2 Samuel 14

This encounter table is designed to enrich your RPG experience by immersing players in the world of 2 Samuel 14, where King David navigates the complexities brought about by familial conflict and the mysterious role of Joab. The setting is the ancient city of Hebron, a culturally rich region with influences from neighboring nations.

Table

Extremely Hurtful (1-5)

1. A band of mercenaries (AC 15) assaults your group, dealing 1d8 damage each. They demand you hand over any valuables or reveal the whereabouts of Joab. Failure to comply results in 2d6 damage and a negative reputation in the area.
2. You encounter a deceitful merchant who offers “special” herbs for healing (50 shekels). After purchasing them, you find they are nothing but dried leaves. You lose 20 shekels, and each party member suffers a -1 to their next healing attempt.
3. While traversing the outskirts, you stumble into a territory guarded by a neighboring tribe. They accuse you of trespassing and initiate a confrontation, dealing 1d10 damage total. You must roll a DC 12 Charisma save to avoid hostilities.
4. A local gossip overhears your plans and misrepresents your intentions to the townsfolk, resulting in a -1 penalty to Charisma until you can clear your name.
5. A mysterious figure approaches and presents a false prophecy regarding your quest, claiming that you will fail unless you sacrifice an offering of gold. You lose 10 shekels as a result of your hesitation to dismiss this charlatan.

Moderate Nuisance (6-10)

1. You come across a group who speak highly of Joab but mislead you about his current location. You waste time and must roll a DC 10 Wisdom check to quickly regain your focus.
2. A wild animal (AC 13, 1d6 damage) inflicts fear as it suddenly appears. You manage to scare it off, but not before losing precious rations.
3. A weathered scroll lies on the ground, detailing a tale of revenge between two clans. It provides insight but also makes you paranoid, resulting in disadvantage on your next perception check.
4. You find a traveler who claims to have met with Absalom, but when questioned, he shares mixed messages that confuse your mission. Gain a -1 penalty to your next strategy roll due to disorientation.
5. You overhear a heated debate about Joab’s loyalty. Though you gain valuable insights, you are subjected to a -1 penalty in negotiations with local officials due to the uncertainty it raises.

Helpful (11-15)

1. You meet a wise elder who shares valuable wisdom about the politics of the land, granting your party +1 to Charisma for interactions with nobles.
2. While exploring, you discover a hidden compartment in a wall containing 15 gold coins and an ancient map leading to safer paths through the region.
3. A friendly merchant offers you a generous deal on healing herbs (25 shekels) that grant +2 to healing rolls for the next two uses. However, you have to bargain skillfully.
4. You cross paths with a messenger who knows Joab’s whereabouts but demands information about your mission first. Successful persuasion grants you an advantage in your next encounter.
5. You find an old scroll in a market that shares a detailed history of the tensions surrounding Absalom. Reading it grants you insight into political maneuvering, giving you +1 on strategy checks.

Very Helpful (16-20)

1. You gain an audience with a wise scribe who has information on the political landscape and Joab’s machinations, adding +2 to your next strategic roll.
2. In an alley, you find an intricately designed pendant rumored to belong to Joab. Wearing it grants a +1 to Charisma rolls when interacting with military figures.
3. You discover a stash of ancient weapons: a longbow (1d8 damage, +1 attack), a set of throwing stones (1d4 damage, +2 attack), and a shield (AC +1) hidden among some ruins.
4. A local rabbi offers you a blessing for your quest, giving each character a temporary +1 to their Wisdom checks for the remainder of the day.
5. You are invited to a meal at a local home, where you are granted valuable information about Joab’s supporters, granting you advantage on your next diplomacy roll.

Extremely Helpful (21-25)

1. You encounter a high-ranking official who owes Joab a favor. He provides you with a writ of safe conduct through hostile regions, ensuring no one will attack you for the next week.
2. You are gifted a pouch containing 30 shekels by a grateful widow after helping her with a small task. This can be used for bargaining or provisions.
3. An old warrior tells you tales of Joab’s bravery and offers you a well-maintained spear (1d10 damage, +2 attack) and training that grants +1 to attack rolls for three encounters.
4. A wandering bard sings praise of your cause, increasing your party’s reputation. You gain +2 to all Charisma checks in the next town you visit.
5. You discover a hidden sanctuary where you can rest safely for the night. This provides full healing and a +1 morale bonus to all rolls for the next day.

Trivia Encounter

As part of your quest, you may encounter challenges that test your knowledge of 2 Samuel 14. Successfully answering these questions will provide a boost to your party.

• What was the name of the wise woman Joab consulted?
• Who did Joab use as a means to communicate with King David?
• What request did the woman make to David regarding her son?
• Why did David ultimately forgive Absalom?
• What was Absalom’s fate after returning to Hebron?

Roll 1d20. Add the number of correct answers. Final result = 1–25.

Correct Answers

• 1. The wise woman was from Tekoa.
• 2. Joab sent a messenger to King David.
• 3. The woman requested that David spare her son, who had killed someone.
• 4. David forgave Absalom out of a desire for familial reconciliation.
• 5. Absalom was eventually killed in battle.