BRPG Encounter Table: Intrigues and Betrayals

Discover the BRPG Encounter Table set amidst Absalom's Rebellion, a time of intrigue and betrayal.

Nuanced Encounter Table: The Revolt of Absalom

In the turbulent days of King David’s reign, tensions brew as Absalom plots against his father, seeking to claim the throne of Israel. This encounter table is designed for the area around Jerusalem as the events of 2 Samuel 15 unfold, filled with intrigue, betrayal, and opportunities for the players to navigate the complexities of loyalty and rebellion.

Table

Extremely Hurtful Encounters (1-5)

A group of Absalom’s soldiers ambushes you. They are fierce, with a combined strength of 50 HP, AC 15. Each soldier deals 7 damage per round. You must escape or risk capture, resulting in a -2 to all skill checks for one week.
You encounter a false prophet who claims to speak for God, saying, “Absalom is chosen by the Lord to lead Israel.” If you are swayed, you suffer a -1 to Wisdom saves for 1d4 days.
A merchant offers to sell you information about the king’s guards in exchange for a hefty price (10 shekels). In reality, he provides false intelligence, resulting in a -2 to your next stealth attempt.
You witness a treasonous act where an ally of David is attacked. If you intervene unsuccessfully, you lose 10 HP due to surprise, and your standing in the city decreases, giving you a -1 on Charisma checks.
A thief steals a vital item from you. Roll 1d6 to determine what was taken: 1 – a pouch of gold (5 shekels), 2 – a healing ointment (1d4 HP), 3 – a scroll of wisdom (+1 to Judo checks), 4 – rations for 1 week, 5 – a sacred pendant (worthless in their hands), or 6 – a message from David.

Mild Nuisance Encounters (6-10)

You find a damaged sling on the ground that provides +1 to ranged attacks but is fragile (breaks on a roll of 1 on attack).
A local gossip shares a rumor about Absalom’s next move; you gain +1 to insight rolls but -1 to persuade checks due to the unreliable information.
You meet a traveling historian who recounts tales of David’s glories, granting you +1 to Charisma for the day but wasting 2 hours of travel time.
A sudden rainstorm soaks your supplies; you lose 2 rations, but you come across wild fruits that can restore 1d2 HP if consumed.
A group of children plays a game that mocks Absalom. If you join in, you gain +1 to social interactions in the next town visit, but it distracts you from your main quest for 1d4 hours.

Somewhat Helpful Encounters (11-15)

You discover an old shield bearing David’s insignia, which grants +1 AC when equipped, but identifies you as a loyalist, drawing unwanted attention.
A kind villager offers you refuge for the night. You recover 1d6 HP and gain information about a secret way to enter the city undetected.
You find a scroll containing part of Psalm 3, which grants you inspiration; you can add +1 to your next roll of your choice.
A wise elder advises you to watch your back around Absalom’s supporters; you gain +2 to your initiative rolls for the next encounter.
A merchant is willing to trade valuable goods for news about the king’s movements, providing you with gold equivalent to 2d4 shekels.

Very Helpful Encounters (16-20)

You stumble upon a hidden cache of weapons: a solid spear (+2 to attack), a leather armor (+1 AC), and 5 sling stones (+1 damage).
An old friend of David’s shares crucial intel about Absalom’s plans, granting you advantage on the next confrontation against Absalom’s forces.
You overhear a conversation among Absalom’s supporters, revealing a secret passage into Jerusalem. You can now choose to bypass enemy guards with this knowledge.
You are gifted a rare treasure from a mysterious benefactor: a ring that grants you +1 to negotiation with the local merchants.
A prophet appears and gives you a blessing; for one encounter, you gain +2 to all rolls as you are inspired by divine favor.

Extremely Helpful Encounters (21-25)

You come across a stash of gold coins (20 shekels) hidden under a rock, which can be used to fund allies or bribery.
An old warrior offers to train you in combat, granting you +2 to attack rolls for one full day after a successful sparring session.
You find a rare, blessed olive oil that heals 2d4 HP and provides an additional +1 to your next Persuasion or Insight check.
A wise woman speaks of the heart and motives of men, giving you advantage on any persuasion rolls related to getting allies.
A mysterious stranger offers you a powerful ally in your quest against Absalom, who joins you for the next encounter as a temporary companion (HP 25, AC 14).

Bible Trivia Encounter

As you explore the city and interact with its inhabitants, you have the opportunity to test your knowledge of 2 Samuel 15. Answer the following questions:

What did Absalom do to gain the hearts of the people of Israel? (Hint: It involves a strategic act of kindness.)
Who was the counselor that advised Absalom against David’s forces? (Look for the name of a prominent figure.)
Where did King David flee to when Absalom rebelled? (Consider locations associated with David’s early life.)
Who was a key supporter of Absalom that is mentioned in the chapter? (This individual’s treachery is notable.)
What sign was given to inform David of Absalom’s rebellion? (Think about what David received to know of the uprising.)

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

Correct Answers

1. Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel by showing them justice and kindness.
2. Ahithophel.
3. Mahanaim.
4. Ahithophel or Absalom’s followers.
5. A messenger brought David the news.