BRPG Encounter Table: Political Intrigue and Peril Near Mahanaim

Encounter Table for 2 Samuel 16

This encounter table is designed for players adventuring in the tumultuous period of King David’s rule, particularly during the rebellion led by Absalom. The characters find themselves near the town of Mahanaim, a strategic location in the northern part of Israel. Throughout the journey, they will face challenges and opportunities as they navigate shifting loyalties and political intrigue.

Hurtful Encounters (1-5)

1. The party gets ambushed by a group of 5 mercenaries (AC 13, HP 15 each, Attack +4, Damage 1d6+2). They demand tribute of 100 shekels or threaten violence. If the party refuses, the mercenaries attack, resulting in 1d4 damage per round.
2. The party discovers a false lead about the whereabouts of Absalom, being misled by a local farmer who claims to have been a spy. As a result, the party wastes 2 days searching for him and gains no further insight into the rebellion.
3. While attempting to speak with Shimei, a member of the house of Saul, he hurls insults at them, cursing King David. Any character who engages with him suffers a -2 to their Charisma for the next town due to the negativity.
4. The party encounters a trap set by Absalom’s followers, losing 5 health from the surprise of a hidden pitfall. They must make a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw to avoid it; failure results in falling and taking damage.
5. They meet a group of dissidents discussing their discontent with King David. If they overhear this plot, they suffer a -1 penalty to their reputation in Mahanaim due to suspicion of conspiracy.

Mild Nuisance Encounters (6-10)

1. The party meets a distressed widow seeking help to retrieve her son from local conscription forces. Helping her grants a modest +1 reputation in the town.
2. While traveling, the players stumble upon a cart of spoiled grain. Investigating it causes them to lose a day of travel while dealing with the malodorous mess.
3. The characters encounter a wandering minstrel who offers a song for coins. Paying him 5 shekels grants the party +1 to their next Charisma check in the next town.
4. A group of children mistakenly think one of the party members is their friend. They tie up the member for a short time, losing 1 hour of travel; however, they earn the children’s admiration, granting a +2 to local perception.
5. The group discovers a minor skirmish between two merchants over trade deals. They can choose to mediate; succeeding provides them with small items (2 healing herbs) and goodwill.

Somewhat Helpful Encounters (11-15)

1. The players meet a sympathetic merchant willing to provide supplies at a reduced price. They receive a discount of 20% on any necessary items.
2. A prophet approaches the group, offering them divinely inspired advice about upcoming dangers. If he is heeded, they gain advantage on their next encounter with Absalom’s forces.
3. The characters bump into a soldier from David’s camp who provides valuable intel about troop movements. This grants them +10 to any stealth checks while navigating near enemy areas.
4. The party encounters a traveler who possesses a scroll detailing events in Jerusalem. Reading it provides updates on political dynamics and would bestow +1 intelligence for future checks.
5. While exploring an abandoned villa, the party finds a hidden stash of 4 shekels and a beautiful bronze amulet that grants a +1 to Charisma while in areas loyal to David.

Very Helpful Encounters (16-20)

1. The characters are offered sanctuary by an elderly priest, who provides food and shelter. They gain +5 health and a temporary +1 to Wisdom for their next encounter.
2. While resting near a well, they meet a wise woman who shares valuable insights on Absalom’s strategies. Earning her trust gives the party a +2 advantage on Wisdom saving throws.
3. They come across a band of loyal soldiers who bestow a blessing upon the party, granting +1 to attack rolls for the next encounter.
4. The players discover a cache of old weapons, including a strong sling and a wooden shield, increasing their defensive capabilities (+1 defense) for the next battle.
5. The party rescues a kidnapped merchant who promises to reward them with a small gift of spices; this grants them +1 to reputation in Mahanaim and a healing salve.

Extremely Helpful Encounters (21-25)

1. The party meets a high-ranking officer from David’s army who offers them a chance to act as scouts. Successfully completing this mission will grant them a permanent increase of +1 to their reputation.
2. They find a rare artifact, a ceremonial silver chalice, which is highly sought after and allows quicker trade and interactions, giving a permanent +1 bonus to Charisma.
3. A messenger arrives with urgent news from Jerusalem, providing details about Absalom’s whereabouts. This knowledge allows the players to plan effectively, gaining +2 to their tactical skills for their next encounter.
4. The characters save a young woman from a band of ruffians; she is a skilled healer and provides them with 3 healing herbs and offers her assistance, granting +5 health to the party.
5. Upon entering a shrine, the party witnesses a minor miracle that restores their faith. They gain +2 temporary Wisdom and receive +1d4 healing to each member of the party.

Bible Trivia Encounter

As the party engages with locals, they can test their knowledge of the events surrounding 2 Samuel 16. Correct answers may yield insights or blessings.

1. What curse did Shimei cast upon David as he fled Jerusalem?
2. What was Absalom doing while David was escaping the city?
3. Who advised David not to retaliate against Shimei?
4. How many men did David receive at Mahanaim?
5. Who accompanied David during his flight from Jerusalem?

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

Correct Answers

1. Shimei cursed David, calling him a man of blood and claiming his reign had come to a desolate end.
2. Absalom was conducting affairs of state and gaining loyalty.
3. Abishai advised David to retaliate against Shimei.
4. David was received by 600 men at Mahanaim.
5. Both Zadok and Abiathar the priests accompanied David.